Former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk flags major issue in Oilers’ goaltending setup
TL;DR
Former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk has raised concerns about the Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation following a disappointing end to the 2025-26 season. The team's struggles were exacerbated by injuries to key players and inconsistent performance from newly acquired goalie Tristan Jarry.
Key points
- Devan Dubnyk raised concerns about the Oilers' goaltending.
- The Oilers exited the playoffs in the first round against the Ducks.
- Inconsistent goaltending and injuries affected the team's performance.
- The Oilers traded Stuart Skinner for Tristan Jarry mid-season.
- Dubnyk highlighted the difficulty of moving on from Jarry due to his contract.
Mentioned in this story
Former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk has raised clear concerns about the Edmonton Oilers and their unsettled goaltending situation. His comments come after a poor end to the 2025-26 season, where the team exited in the first round against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Oilers’ season fell apart due to inconsistent goaltending and injuries to stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The team had already reshaped its crease mid-season by trading Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In return, they brought in Tristan Jarry, hoping for stability that never fully arrived.
MORE: Connor McDavid sends clear message on Oilers future amid rumors
Dubnyk pointed to the team’s commitment to Jarry as a major issue.
“They’re locked into Jarry,” Dubnyk said. “I mean, you’ve committed when you made that trade to Tristan Jarry, and hopefully he can play better. I mean, I really like the way he played in the playoff game, but he obviously struggled in his time here. But he’s going to have to have the opportunity because he’s going to be very tough to move on from, contract-wise.”
Jarry played just one playoff game in the Oilers’ jersey, in Game 4 against the Ducks, which the Oilers lost 4-3 in overtime, making 34 saves with a .895 save percentage. In that game, he played well, but apart from that, he struggled in the regular season with an .858 save percentage.
Injuries also limited his impact during a crucial stretch of the season, only a few games after arriving in Edmonton.
Oilers’ mid-season Connor Ingram decision
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram (39) defends against the Anaheim Ducks in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With Jarry struggling, Connor Ingram carried the load late in the year, who was recalled from the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. He started five playoff games but finished with a .876 save percentage.
“I think Connor Ingram has obviously earned himself a [potential] much nicer contract, whether that’s with the Oilers, maybe he does want to come back,” Dubnyk said. “I don’t know how much money he earned with the way he played, but definitely more than a one-year 800,000, I can tell you that much.
“So, does he want to come back to Edmonton, or is there more money for him on the open market somewhere else? I guess we’ll wait and see.”
That leaves uncertainty around the team’s depth and future in goal.
Stan Bowman’s statement on Oilers’ goaltending future
General manager Stan Bowman has already admitted the position needs improvement. The Oilers currently have only Jarry firmly under contract, with both Ingram and Calvin Pickard heading toward free agency. Bowman said the team will evaluate options and look for upgrades.
“Well, you’re right, we only have one goalie signed,” Bowman said. “We have to evaluate that… we’re looking for improvement in that area for sure.”
MORE: Oilers management under fire as goaltending woes waste McDavid-Draisaitl prime
Dubnyk believes the Oilers need a clear solution to quiet the constant questions around goaltending.
“You’ve got to think that they want to upgrade the goaltending position to somebody where the conversation can almost just go away,” Dubnyk said.
Until that happens, the issue around Oilers’ goaltending will continue to hang over a roster built to contend.
Q&A
What did Devan Dubnyk say about the Oilers' goaltending situation?
Devan Dubnyk expressed concerns about the Oilers' commitment to Tristan Jarry, highlighting the need for improvement in his performance.
How did the Oilers perform in the 2025-26 season?
The Oilers exited in the first round of the playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks, largely due to inconsistent goaltending and injuries to stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
What changes did the Oilers make to their goaltending mid-season?
The Oilers traded Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins and acquired Tristan Jarry in hopes of stabilizing their goaltending situation.
Why is Tristan Jarry's contract a concern for the Oilers?
Dubnyk noted that Jarry's contract makes it difficult for the Oilers to move on from him, despite his struggles during the season.
