Edmonton Oilers early season performance and injuries

The Edmonton Oilers began the 2026-27 NHL season facing significant defensive and goaltending challenges. Early games saw the team allow high goal counts, with goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi struggling to prevent scoring. Head coach Mike Babcock attributed these defensive lapses to coaching and the need for better roster play.

However, the team's performance improved, winning eight of nine games driven by historic offensive production from Connor McDavid. This momentum has been tempered by a growing list of player injuries, including Mattias Ekholm, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Most recently, the team placed goaltender Devon Levi on injured reserve after he missed practice due to an undisclosed issue. Levi had been a standout performer with a 6-1-0 record and a 3.11 goals against average through seven games. To fill the vacancy, the Oilers recalled goaltender Matt Tomkins from the Bakersfield Condors under emergency conditions. Tristan Jarry is expected to start the upcoming game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite the injury setbacks, the Oilers hold an 8-1-1 record through their first ten games.