Oilers Choose Their Starting Goalie, And With Good Reason

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Oilers Choose Their Starting Goalie, And With Good Reason

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Sep 29, 2026 10:45 AM ET

Tristan Jarry will start versus the Vancouver Canucks, according to Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Mike Babcock. Even if one could argue Devon Levi won the job with his play Saturday evening versus the Calgary Flames, it’s not always about a single performance, and a decision isn’t always based on the numbers. This is about second chances, and how important it is to provide them.

Jarry needs to have a bounce-back year. He looked good in pre-season action, so playing him on Tuesday seems fair. That said, this is about him having a strong regular-season game when the win matters and the points count. The Oilers want to back him and show him support; give him the confidence that the organization hasn’t lost faith, and then the opportunity to prove they were right.

Levi will be there. He’s ready to play whatever role is required. Waiting in the wings is Frederik Andersen, who is inching closer to a return and should be ready by late October. If Jarry isn’t the guy, that will show itself soon enough. At that point, you can turn to Levi and a healthy Andersen and run with that duo. But if Jarry is good to go, the Oilers need to know, and they need to know right away.

One theory about why Jarry started against the Canucks in preseason was because they figured he’d get a lot of shots. A fully-loaded Canucks lineup versus an upstart Oilers roster full of minor leaguers was supposed to be Jarry’s chance to get peppered and see how well he fared. The young Oilers played so well defensively that Jarry wasn’t all that busy — a good problem to have.

On Tuesday, a full Oilers roster will be taking on a Canucks team that few have a lot of confidence in. It’s never wise to play down to an opponent, but on paper, this should be a game the Oilers expect to win. It’s a good game for Jarry to get in there and show well again.

Babcock Says He’s Liked What He’s Seen From Jarry

A little confidence can go a long way. “I thought he’s been solid in the two games he’s played,” said Babcock. He added, “I thought he was way better night two when we were under siege… What I like about what’s happened is that he’s really worked hard in the offseason, he’s really improved his conditioning, he’s worked closely with Pete, and they seem to have a plan to stabilize his game. Anytime you have a tough year — and those things happen in the National League– you want to bounce back, and he’s ready to do that.”

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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