Goalie Tristan Jarry’s role is likely going to be the biggest talking point surrounding the Edmonton Oilers as the team looks to stabilize its crease before the new season. His uneven recent form has fueled skepticism, yet the organization appears committed to giving the veteran another opportunity.
This outlook gained even more traction after an Oilers insider shared why the team still views Jarry as its best option, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in training camp.
Allan Mitchell Believes Tristan Jarry Still Deserves First Shot For Oilers
Despite concerns from the fanbase, Oilers insider Allan Mitchell believes Jarry should enter training camp as Edmonton’s leading candidate for the No. 1 goaltending job.
Writing in The Athletic, Mitchell acknowledged why many supporters remain unconvinced but argued that Jarry’s experience and history as a full-time starter cannot be overlooked.
Mitchell wrote, “From a fan point of view, it might be counterintuitive to favour Jarry as the top goaltender entering the season. However, he’s a veteran who has taken on the top job and held it for several seasons.
“The last 2 years haven’t landed well, but the wheels came off in Edmonton partly due to being less than completely able physically. Should Jarry arrive in camp healthy, the numbers suggest he should be the top option in net.”
This evaluation stands in contrast to the criticism Jarry has faced since arriving from Pittsburgh. Injuries and inconsistent play contributed to a difficult 2025-26 campaign, and his numbers dipped well below the standard expected from a starting NHL goaltender.
Even so, Mitchell believes those struggles should not erase what Jarry has accomplished over a much larger sample size throughout his career.
The veteran finished last season with an .882 save percentage, but his career mark sits at .907 across 326 regular-season games.
These long-term numbers are a major reason for Edmonton to believe there is another level Jarry can reach if he enters camp fully healthy. His contract, which carries a $5.375 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season, also makes him a significant investment for the organization.
Edmonton’s roster construction further explains why Jarry remains such an important piece of the puzzle. The Oilers have roughly $4.73 million in projected cap space while carrying 23 players under contract, so they have flexibility and have already built depth at the position before the season begins.
The team is preparing for a three-goalie tandem featuring Jarry, veteran Frederik Andersen (acquired after winning the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes), and young netminder Devon Levi. Andersen brings an outstanding .913 career save percentage but has signed only a one-year deal, while Levi remains a developing option with limited NHL experience.
Reports also suggest Edmonton has little interest in pursuing a buyout or trade involving Jarry despite earlier speculation.
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So, for now, the Oilers appear prepared to bet on improved health rather than make another costly change in goal.
