Oilers Have a Goaltending Logjam Developing

That’s where the logjam becomes a concern.

Bakersfield obviously won’t carry five goaltenders throughout the season, and Edmonton can distribute some of its depth to the ECHL. That should help create additional opportunities, but the organization needs to prioritize playing time when determining where its younger goaltenders are assigned.

The goal shouldn’t simply be finding a roster spot for everyone. It should be putting each goaltender in a situation where they can actually play.

Oilers Can’t Let Connor Ungar Get Buried

Connor Ungar is perhaps the biggest name to watch when Edmonton sorts through its organizational depth. The 24-year-old remains an intriguing developmental option for the Oilers, and this is an important stage of his career. Sitting behind multiple goaltenders in Bakersfield wouldn’t accomplish much for his development.

If there isn’t a consistent workload available with the Condors, Edmonton would be better served giving Ungar significant starts in the ECHL rather than having him spend extended stretches as a backup or third goaltender.

The same consideration needs to be given to younger options such as Jonsson and Day. Goaltenders typically require patience and plenty of game action to develop, making consistent starts more important than the level at which they’re playing.

Oilers Need a Plan for Their Goaltending Depth

There are certainly worse problems for the Oilers to have. Jarry, Andersen and Levi give Edmonton options at the NHL level, while Tomkins provides experienced organizational depth. Behind them, Ungar, Jonsson, Day and Vinni give the organization several younger options to work with. But eight goaltenders also means there are only so many starts to go around.

Injuries and call-ups will inevitably change the picture throughout the season, but Edmonton needs to enter 2026-27 with a clear development plan. Whether that means utilizing the ECHL heavily, loaning a goaltender elsewhere or eventually exploring a trade, the Oilers can’t allow their depth to become an obstacle.

Having a crowded crease is preferable to having no depth at all. The key for Edmonton will be making sure promising young goaltenders such as Ungar aren’t the ones who get lost in the numbers game.