Following Edmonton’s November 11 victory over Philadelphia, Gene Principe asked asked Tristan Jarry about his working relationship with Devon Levi. Jarry’s answer about the Edmonton Oilers goaltending group included someone who wasn’t even on the ice.
Frederik Andersen.
Despite having yet to play a single minute for Edmonton, the veteran goaltender is already making his presence felt. According to his teammates, his contributions extend well beyond simply being another goalie on the roster.
For a team that has spent years searching for consistency in net, the results have been remarkable. After another season of goaltending struggles and an offseason overhaul, Edmonton’s crease has become an unexpected strength. Jarry and Levi have helped lead that transformation.
The Oilers haven’t yet put their planned three-goalie rotation into action. However, they’re already seeing the benefits of having three goaltenders working together.
Oilers goaltending: From weakness to strength
Goaltending has been a recurring concern in Edmonton, and expectations entering the 2026–27 season weren’t particularly encouraging.
Each goaltender entered the season with something to prove. Jarry was looking to rebound from a difficult first year in Edmonton. Levi was attempting to establish himself as an NHL regular after spending the previous season in the American Hockey League. Andersen arrived as a 36-year-old Stanley Cup champion, bringing valuable experience alongside questions about his health and workload.
The plan to eventually rotate three goaltenders raised its own questions. How would they divide starts? Could they maintain consistency? Would the arrangement create unnecessary competition?
Edmonton’s first two games did little to ease those concerns.
The Oilers surrendered six goals in their season-opening 6–5 overtime loss to Vancouver on September 29. They allowed another seven in a wild 9–7 victory over the Canucks on October 1.
Since then, however, the story has changed dramatically.
According to Sportsnet, Edmonton’s goaltenders have combined for an NHL-best .918 save percentage since October 3. Over that stretch, Jarry ranks second among goaltenders with at least eight starts, posting a .925 save percentage. Levi sits fifth with a .920 save percentage.
The results have translated into the standings, too. Through 20 games, Edmonton holds a 14–3–3 record, with its goaltending playing an increasingly important role.
Levi helped secure a victory over the New York Rangers on November 9. Two nights later, Jarry turned aside 30 shots in a 3–2 overtime victory over Philadelphia.
For a team that has spent years searching for stability in net, this is a significant development. Edmonton now has two goaltenders capable of delivering strong performances.
But the story behind that success goes beyond their save percentages.
Three goalies, one team
When the Oilers announced their plans for a three-goalie rotation, the arrangement wasn’t without potential complications.
Goaltending demands individual preparation and consistency. With only one starting spot available each game, sharing opportunities among three netminders could create frustration.
From the beginning, however, Edmonton’s goaltenders appeared determined to approach the situation differently.
During training camp in September, Levi spoke about his developing relationship with Jarry, emphasizing that their focus wasn’t on taking opportunities away from one another.
Instead, both approached the competition with the understanding that the team’s success came first.
Jarry echoed that sentiment before the season. He acknowledged that a three-goalie rotation would require adjustments. However, he emphasized that whoever gave Edmonton the best chance to win deserved the start.
And Andersen was on board with the arrangement, too.
During his first media availability as an Oiler on July 6, Andersen acknowledged that his days of playing 60-plus games were likely behind him. Rather than viewing a reduced workload negatively, Andersen welcomed the opportunity to be part of a rotation, recognizing the value of keeping each other fresh and bringing out the best in one another.
That cooperative mindset has carried into the regular season.
Even while sidelined, Andersen remains actively involved in the group’s preparation and conversations. Meanwhile, Jarry and Levi continue to emphasize the importance of supporting one another.
Rather than competing solely for individual opportunities, the three have developed a supportive relationship. Their shared objective remains giving Edmonton the best chance to win.
What Andersen brings to the table
Frederik Andersen was expected to play a significant role in Edmonton’s goaltending plans when he signed with the Oilers on July 1.
Fresh off a Stanley Cup championship with Carolina, Andersen brought more than a decade of NHL experience to Edmonton. He also brought the perspective of someone who had recently helped a team achieve hockey’s ultimate goal.
An offseason injury has prevented him from making his Oilers debut, but it hasn’t stopped him from contributing.
That experience was already proving valuable early in the season, particularly for Levi.
After Levi’s strong October 3 performance against Seattle, head coach Mike Babcock praised Andersen’s support of the young goaltender.
Babcock explained that Andersen had spoken with Levi about feeling tense. The veteran drew on his own experiences navigating the demands of the position.
Levi was equally appreciative. He told NHL.com’s Derek Van Diest that he’d never previously had a veteran goaltender alongside him in a goalie group.
“I’m sure happy he’s around,” Levi said.
At 24, Levi is still working to establish himself as an NHL regular. Having a recent Stanley Cup champion to turn to offers a perspective he hasn’t previously had access to.
Andersen has experienced the expectations, difficult stretches and pressure that accompany the position at the highest level. That experience gives him something valuable to share, even when he isn’t the one facing the shots.
Another set of eyes
More than a month later, Jarry’s comments demonstrated that Andersen’s involvement extends beyond mentoring the youngest member of the group.
Speaking with Principe on November 11, Jarry explained that Andersen watches games from above. This gives the group another perspective and someone to exchange ideas with.
Rather than being disconnected from the team while recovering, Andersen remains involved in the preparation and conversations surrounding Edmonton’s goaltending.
Andersen’s influence can’t be measured in save percentage or wins. But both active goaltenders and their head coach have acknowledged his contributions.
More than just the men in the crease
Of course, Edmonton’s goaltending turnaround cannot be attributed entirely to the relationships between Jarry, Levi, and Andersen.
The Oilers have also made changes to the environment surrounding their goaltenders.
Goaltending coach Peter Aubry joined Edmonton’s staff ahead of the 2025–26 season. He’s since worked closely with Jarry as the veteran looks to rebound from a difficult year.
Before the season, Babcock praised Jarry’s offseason preparation and improved conditioning. He also highlighted Jarry’s work with Aubry to develop a plan for greater consistency.
Edmonton’s defensive structure has also played an important role in the goaltending turnaround.
Following the November 11 victory over Philadelphia, Babcock acknowledged that the Flyers had generated considerable pressure but noted that Edmonton had limited the lateral passing plays that force goaltenders to move rapidly across their crease.
Jarry credited his teammates for protecting the middle of the ice and controlling rebounds. Hyman also praised Edmonton’s improved defensive positioning, which has helped the goaltenders face more predictable chances.
The distinction matters. Jarry and Levi are delivering strong performances, but they’re also benefiting from a team working to make their jobs easier.
Within that broader system, Andersen provides another valuable resource. His experience and perspective complement the work of the coaching staff and the rest of the team.
A different kind of three-goalie success
Andersen’s eventual Oilers debut will give Edmonton its first opportunity to put the full three-goalie plan into action.
But the group has already demonstrated something encouraging.
Jarry and Levi have provided stability in net, while Andersen has remained an active part of their preparation and development. What could have become an awkward competition has instead developed into a supportive environment. All three goaltenders have opportunities to learn from one another and contribute to the team’s success.
The early results don’t guarantee that Edmonton’s goaltending will remain among the NHL’s best throughout the season. But they do suggest the Oilers are building something that goes beyond individual performances.
After years of uncertainty in the crease, Edmonton is beginning to find stability. And that stability extends beyond the goaltenders themselves to the environment surrounding them.
And with Andersen still waiting to make his debut, there’s another chapter of that story yet to be written.
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