The Edmonton Oilers made a bold change in goal earlier this season, hoping to fix a long-standing problem. Months later, the conversation around the crease has not slowed down. The team remains in the playoff race, but the position continues to leave them unsettled.
Recent insider reports now suggest the Oilers quietly examined another option involving the same goaltender they earlier acquired.
Tristan Jarry Trade Redefines Oilers’ Crease Strategy
The Oilers acquired goaltender Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins in December 2025, in a deal that reshaped both teams’ crease plans. The move came as the Oilers searched for answers in net during a season in which offense remained strong but defensive numbers raised concern.
Jarry joined Edmonton after posting strong numbers with Pittsburgh earlier in the season. In 14 appearances with the Penguins, he recorded a 2.66 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.
Since arriving in Edmonton, his results have been different, with a 3.96 goals-against average and a .862 save percentage through his first 13 games.
Edmonton’s overall season numbers show how the position remains important to their playoff push. The Oilers rank near the top of the NHL in goals scored, led by the production of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
At the same time, the team sits near the bottom of the league in goals allowed, which has increased attention on the goaltending group.
During a recent episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed how Edmonton reviewed its options before the trade deadline. According to Friedman, the Oilers briefly looked at the possibility of making another move in net.
“I’ll tell you this, like, I think Edmonton at least considered the idea, and I think Edmonton at least considered the possibilities of what if we went out and we got another goalie,” Friedman said.
However, the situation quickly became complicated because adding another goaltender would likely require moving Jarry so soon after acquiring him.
“They felt they would have to trade Jarry. They didn’t think it was possible, and ultimately they just passed, right?” Friedman explained.
The discussion did not develop into a deal, and Edmonton chose to continue with the current group. Friedman also noted that teams regularly reviewed possible moves during the deadline period, even if those conversations never led to an actual trade.
“Like, I just find it very hard to believe that a team like Vegas, which is always considering options, didn’t look at this. But in the end, it didn’t get done, so you back your guy, and you go,” he said.
Around the same time, other reports added more uncertainty to Edmonton’s crease situation. Insider Kevin Weekes shared on X that goaltender Connor Ingram had also appeared in possible trade discussions ahead of the deadline.
Several goaltenders across the league were also mentioned as part of the wider goalie market.
The Oilers have continued rotating their goaltenders while trying to improve results in net. Ingram recently made 24 saves in a 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, helping Edmonton secure an important victory.
As the playoff race continues, Edmonton appears prepared to move forward with its current goaltending group. The team will look for better defensive play in front of the crease while hoping its goalies can deliver stronger performances down the stretch.
