The Edmonton Oilers are taking an unconventional approach between the pipes heading into the 2026-27 season.
After an aggressive offseason under general manager Stan Bowman, the Oilers are expected to open the year with Frederik Andersen, Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi all sharing duties in goal. While the move has raised a few eyebrows around the league, one Oilers insider believes Edmonton may have found the answer to one of its biggest problems.
Insider Backs Bowman’s Devon Levi Gamble
Andersen arrives in Edmonton fresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Carolina Hurricanes and brings plenty of playoff experience. Jarry, meanwhile, is hoping to rebound after a difficult stretch and prove that he can still be a reliable starter. Levi, acquired from the Buffalo Sabres this summer, represents the long-term piece of the puzzle.
The strategy also reflects the reality that both Andersen and Jarry have dealt with injuries in recent years. Carrying a third goaltender gives Edmonton additional security while allowing the organization to carefully manage everyone’s workload.
Levi also benefits from the arrangement because he will have an opportunity to learn from two experienced veterans without the pressure of immediately becoming the team’s No. 1 goaltender.
Longtime Oilers insider Allan Mitchell believes the move was a smart one. “It’s fair to suggest analytics played a part in the acquisition of Devon Levi. He’s an investment in today and the future, and comes with a three-year resume of solid play in the AHL. Three years of progression in a quality league is an impressive math argument for success. This is a smart math bet by Edmonton for a waiver-eligible player,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell’s comments highlight an important detail. Beginning with the 2026-27 season, Levi is no longer exempt from waivers. Had Buffalo attempted to send him to the American Hockey League, there was a strong possibility another team would have claimed him.
By surrendering a 2028 draft pick, Bowman managed to acquire a young goaltender with considerable upside before his value increased even further.
Levi posted a 23-20-9 record with the Rochester Americans last season while recording a .904 save percentage and a 2.83 goals-against average. He also appeared in three Calder Cup playoff games and finished with a .919 save percentage.
With a cap hit of just $812,500, Levi gives Edmonton an affordable option at one of the game’s most important positions.
Team captain Connor McDavid also expressed his support for the plan. “It’s really exciting, and bringing in Levi too, having a kind of three-goalie system, Carolina’s done that for a little bit and obviously had success. Injuries happen, and you have to have somebody ready to go in there, and we’ll always have that,” McDavid said.
Why the Three-Goalie System Makes Sense
Keeping three goaltenders on the roster does create a few complications. Practice time has to be shared, and carrying an extra player takes up valuable salary cap space.
At the same time, the arrangement gives Edmonton important flexibility.
If Andersen or Jarry suffers an injury, the Oilers already have another capable option waiting in the wings. The competition should also push all three goaltenders to elevate their performance throughout the season.
And if Levi establishes himself as a full-time starter, Bowman would have the flexibility to move one of the veterans later in the year.
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For an organization that has spent years searching for stability in the net, the acquisition of Levi could prove to be one of Bowman’s most important moves.
