Edmonton Oilers’ 3 Stars of the 2026 Preseason

Over 97:22 of game time, Jarry was beaten just twice on 42 shots for a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.23. His save percentage (SV%) of .952 was fifth highest among all NHL goalies to appear in at least two games this preseason.

With free-agent addition Frederik Andersen sidelined by injury, Jarry should get plenty of opportunity in the early season to establish himself, alongside fellow netminder Devon Levi, who also had a terrific preseason.

Defenceman: Ryan Shea

Former Penguins blueliner Ryan Shea received Edmonton’s biggest free-agent contract off the 2026 offseason, a five-year deal worth $20 million. The 29-year-old is expected help fill the void left by fellow left-shot defenceman Darnell Nurse, who the Oilers dealt to the San Jose Sharks on July 1.

Those are big skates to fill, considering Nurse logged nearly 21 minutes per game while leading all Oilers defenceman in hits and blocks last season. Shea, however, is known for safe and secure play in his own end, which stands in contrast to the sometimes-erratic Nurse.

In two preseason outings with the Oilers, Shea lived up to his reputation as a reliably solid defensive player, but he also showcased something that wasn’t quite as expected: a tremendous offensive upside.

The six-foot-one rearguard scored in each game he played, and both goals came with a scorer’s touch. Against Winnipeg on Sept. 19, Shea weaved around multiple defenders and walked into the slot where he ripped a shot under the arm of goaltender Thomas Milic. Then on Saturday versus Calgary, he came off the point to step into a pass from Kasperi Kapanen, one-timing the puck past netminder Dustin Wolf.

Shea also registered a pair of assists against the Jets, giving him a total of four points, and finished the preseason with a rating of plus-five, tied for the team lead.

Forward: Connor McDavid

While it’s just September, six-time Art Ross Trophy winner Connor McDavid already looks to be in midseason form, flying around the ice with the puck on a string, doing things that no one else on the ice can. Edmonton’s captain suited up for two preseason games, against the Jets on Sept. 19 and versus Calgary, notching a goal and assist in each of them.

McDavid potted the game-winning goal on Saturday, ripping a shot past Wolf in the second period. He also set up a goal by Zach Hyman with the man advantage, as the NHL’s top power-play unit got together for the first time this fall, picking up right where it left off.

Over his two games, McDavid fired 10 shots on goal, which tied for fifth most in the NHL during the preseason, and compiled a plus-five rating.

McDavid frequently expresses great enthusiasm about the opportunity to play for new Edmonton head coach Mike Babcock, and that’s come through on the ice this preseason. The 29-year-old centre has played with the energy and hunger of an 18-year-old battling for a spot in his first NHL training camp.

Edmonton opens its 2026-27 regular season schedule on Tuesday (Sept. 29), against the Canucks at Rogers Place. Game time is 8 p.m. MDT.