The Edmonton Oilers didn’t just bring in another goaltender when they acquired Devon Levi; they also added a player they believe can help reshape a position that has haunted the franchise in recent years.
After another season in which inconsistent netminding undermined a talented roster, every save and every adjustment will be closely watched. Levi arrives with plenty of upside, but he also enters an environment where small improvements could have a major impact.
Analyst Explains Why Oilers’ Devon Levi Must Embrace a More Controlled Style
Levi has earned praise throughout his career for his quickness, athleticism, and ability to make spectacular saves, but analyst Kevin Woodley, appearing on The Jason Gregor Show, believes those same strengths can become even more effective if he plays a calmer, more controlled style.
Speaking on the show, Woodley pointed to Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf as an example of how undersized goalies can thrive in today’s NHL.
Rather than relying on constant movement, Wolf has found success through discipline and positioning, and Woodley believes Levi would benefit from adopting a similar approach.
“I don’t think you can play aggressively in today’s NHL and get away with it, even if you’re one of the fastest goalies in the league,” he explained, while noting that Levi certainly fits that description.
The recommendation was not about changing Levi’s identity but about maximizing the tools he already possesses.
Woodley praised his overall skill set, saying, “His footwork is exceptional. His athleticism is exceptional. His puck tracking is exceptional.” However, he also suggested that Levi’s aggressive style often forces him into unnecessary movement, preventing those strengths from consistently working in his favor.
Instead of chasing plays after they develop, Levi’s focus should be on arriving at the right spots sooner. “He’s moving a lot, as opposed to being able to beat plays to spots and let the puck and the plays come to him. And so, I think that’s one of the adjustments that will be required in the NHL.”
The timing of that evaluation is significant because Edmonton is counting on Levi to be part of a completely revamped goaltending group.
The Oilers acquired the 24-year-old from the Buffalo Sabres, along with a 2028 7th-round pick, in exchange for a 2028 3rd-round selection. With a cap hit of just $812,500 through the 2026-27 season, Levi represents an affordable investment with considerable long-term upside.
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The move also reflects lessons learned from last season. Edmonton’s early playoff exit exposed ongoing issues in goal, as Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry struggled to provide stability as constant changes in the crease prevented the team from building consistency during its first-round loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Rather than relying on a single starter again, general manager Stan Bowman has assembled a 3-goalie rotation featuring Stanley Cup champion Frederik Andersen, veteran Tristan Jarry, and Levi.
This structure gives Mike Babcock multiple options while allowing the young goaltender to develop at a measured pace.
