The Edmonton Oilers continue to rely on their current goaltending lineup despite ongoing issues with Tristan Jarry’s performance. Following a recent slump that has seen the team’s standings drop in the Pacific Division, Edmonton’s focus remains on shoring up their defense and forward depth rather than seeking new goaltending options before the trade deadline.
Since the Olympic break, the Oilers have lost two of three games, raising questions about their ability to protect leads and maintain consistent play, particularly in the net. Defensive weaknesses have contributed, but the spotlight has shifted back to whether the team addressed its goaltending needs adequately earlier in the season.
Reviewing the Ongoing Challenges in Oilers’ Goaltending
Edmonton’s goaltending struggles have been evident for much of the season. In December, the combination of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard resulted in a dismal .873 save percentage, one of the lowest in the NHL, prompting management to act decisively.
The Oilers traded Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry, aiming to stabilize the crease with a fresh acquisition. Jarry initially showed promise by winning his first three starts but was sidelined by a lower-body injury on December 18, which disrupted his momentum.
During Jarry’s absence, backup goalie Connor Ingram stepped in with solid performances, while Pickard also contributed when needed. However, since Jarry’s return, neither he nor Ingram have secured firm control of the starting position. Jarry’s stats currently include a 3.18 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage, while Ingram’s numbers sit slightly better with a .894 save percentage.
Recent games have intensified concerns. In Saturday’s loss to the San Jose Sharks, Ingram allowed five goals on 33 shots. Earlier, in the first game back from the Olympic break, Jarry was pulled after conceding five goals to the Anaheim Ducks.
Insider Confirms Oilers Will Not Pursue Goalie Trades Near Deadline
Despite the inconsistent play between the pipes, prominent NHL insider Elliotte Friedman states that the Oilers are unlikely to make any moves to change their goaltending before the deadline.
At the risk of things changing quickly this year, I looked into it yesterday to see if the Oilers were in the goalie market, and I heard from a couple of places that the answer was no,
Friedman said.
They’ve made their bet in net and they are gonna live with that.
– Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider
Instead, Edmonton’s attention appears focused on improving other areas of the roster. Friedman notes the Oilers are targeting a right-side defenseman—someone who either naturally shoots right or a left-shot player comfortable playing the right side—as well as a potential third-line center, especially if forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continues to play on the wing.
Defense Reinforcements Targeted Over Goaltending Changes
One reported target for Edmonton is Oliver Ekman-Larsson from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although Ekman-Larsson is a left-hand shot, he is capable of playing on the right side of the blue line. However, any trade would require Ekman-Larsson’s approval as he holds control over a possible move to Edmonton.
He’s a left shot but can play the right side. However, Ekman-Larsson has control over a potential trade to Edmonton… so they would need him to waive it. Overall, it sounds like that type of defenseman is what the Oilers are targeting.
– Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider
With no immediate plans to adjust their goalie situation, the Oilers are depending on Tristan Jarry, Connor Ingram, and the existing netminding group to stabilize. Whether this approach will hold if struggles persist remains uncertain as the trade deadline approaches.
Future Implications for Edmonton’s Playoff Prospects
The decision to stay the course with their current goaltenders comes amid mounting frustration and anxiety among fans and analysts alike. Goaltending remains a vital concern for Edmonton’s aspirations to advance deep into the playoffs. The pending moves to strengthen defense and depth, especially at the third-line center, reflect the team’s strategic priorities but also underline the risks involved if Jarry and Ingram continue to falter.
The Oilers’ management faces the difficult balance of trusting in their current roster against the urgency to act. With key entities such as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Oliver Ekman-Larsson potentially influencing the trade deadline’s outcomes, Edmonton’s trajectory over the remainder of the season will depend heavily on both goaltending improvements and timely acquisitions on defense.
Elliotte Friedman talked to the boys ahead of the deadline about the availability of some guys like Trocheck, Thomas and others 👀
Also if Edmonton is still looking for a goalie 🛢️ pic.twitter.com/fmdRk2lLdo
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) March 1, 2026
