The Edmonton Oilers have faced early disappointment in the 2025-26 season. Ten games into the season, they are questioning the reason behind their 4-4-2 record so far. Especially since they have reached the Stanley Cup Final in each of the last two years, losing to the Florida Panthers.
This year, the Oilers want to return to the finals, but they have encountered issues that need to be resolved. Their offense, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, is still potent. However, the same can not be said about their goaltending and defense. The Oilers allow 3.10 goals per game, showing inconsistency. So, the team needs both goalies to improve soon, or perhaps a change is what they need.
Who Are The 3 Candidates Edmonton Can Look to For Improving Their Goaltending?
1) Tristan Jarry
Tristan Jarry has started well for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has a 3-1-0 record, a 2.52 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage. He also has one shutout this season, and his steady play has helped the Penguins win early games.
Jarry is signed to a five-year, $26.875 million contract with a $5.375 million cap hit through 2027–28. The Oilers can inquire about him, as the Penguins aim to make their roster younger. Jarry is 30, and his performance so far matches the Oilers’ expectations.
2) Arturs Silovs
Arturs Silovs has played well in his first season with the Penguins. He has a 3-1-1 record, a 2.56 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage. Silovs joined Pittsburgh from Vancouver in mid-July and has adjusted well, providing steady play behind Jarry.
The 24-year-old goalie is in the final year of his two-year, $1.7 million contract. The Oilers can reach out to him if their goaltending keeps struggling this season.
3) Juuse Saros
The third candidate is Juuse Saros because he has also had a good start for the Nashville Predators. He has a 4-2-2 record, a 2.69 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage.
Saros is 30 years old and signed to an eight-year, $61.92 million contract, but he is a reliable goalie. His $7.74 million cap hit might be difficult for Edmonton to handle, but it can give them a good goalie option till the 2032-33 season. A trade for Saros is unlikely, but the Oilers might consider it if they get desperate.
If none of these options work, the Oilers could give Connor Ingram a chance. Earlier this month, they traded for him with the Utah Mammoth for future considerations. The 28-year-old played 22 games for Utah last season and had a 9-8-4 record.
The situation in the Oilers locker room is already tense due to their bad start. Head coach Kris Knoblauch said the team is not happy with its play.
“I think there’s some frustration right now,” Knoblauch said, via NHL. “We expect more out of ourselves and playing better.”
The Oilers still have time to rectify the situation, but they will need to improve their goaltending if the current state persists.
