How Frederik Andersen Compares To The Edmonton Oilers' Past Starters
The Edmonton Oilers, under new coach Mike Babcock, are expected to use a three-goalie rotation featuring Tristan Jarry, Frederik Andersen, and top prospect Devon Levi.
With Andersen arriving as the newest addition to the group and a recent 2026 Stanley Cup champion, it raises the question: have the Oilers finally found the goaltending upgrade they have been searching for, at least on paper?
Three Goalies In Edmonton: Why It Works
Carrying three goaltenders used to be viewed as a sign that something had gone wrong. Teams wanted a clear No. 1, a dependable backup and little debate beyond that. The Edmonton Oilers are taking a different approach this fall, and there are good reasons to believe it could work.
Tristan Jarry
Jarry is known for his puckhandling ability and quick reflexes, often acting as a third defenceman. However, that aggressive style can also lead him to overcommit or venture too far outside his crease.
Like Andersen, Jarry stands 6-foot-4 and uses his size effectively while possessing excellent lateral movement, allowing him to make highlight-reel desperation saves. His willingness to leave the crease to stop dump-ins and start breakouts can help relieve pressure on his defence.
Across 326 regular-season NHL games, Jarry owns a 170-106-34 record with a 2.80 GAA, a .907 SP, and 23 shutouts. He has spent his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Oilers, with two of his shutouts coming during his 33 appearances for Edmonton in the 2025-26 season.
Connor Ingram
While Ingram may not possess Andersen's ceiling, he offered Edmonton greater consistency than Jarry. Following unsuccessful contract negotiations, the 29-year-old UFA departed, opening the door for Levi while the Oilers added Andersen.
Ingram finished his NHL tenure with Edmonton having played 134 career games, compiling a 55-54-18 record, a 3.01 GAA, and a .901 SP. His game is built on excellent post-to-post tracking and patience, although his deeper positioning in the crease can leave him vulnerable to screens and deflections.
From a salary-cap perspective, moving on from Ingram was understandable, especially with Jarry under contract for two more seasons carrying a $5.375 million average annual value (AAV).
Why Frederik Andersen Wants To Be In Edmonton
Frederik Andersen isn't going around trying to convince people he could still be the Edmonton Oilers' unimpeachable No. 1 goalie, which is what a lot of veteran players usually spend free agency talking about.
Stuart Skinner
Skinner finished his Oilers career with a .902 SP, a 2.77 GAA, and a 121-71-24 record across 224 NHL games over five seasons. Like the other goaltenders in Edmonton's system, he stands 6-foot-4 and relies on positioning and size more than athletic recovery saves.
His biggest weakness came when dealing with heavy traffic around the crease. Screens and deflections often gave him trouble, and his tendency to drop into the butterfly early sometimes left him vulnerable to clean shots from distance.
Ultimately, Edmonton's decision to move on from Skinner reflected concerns about both his long-term performance ceiling and the team's confidence in him during high-pressure situations. By acquiring Tristan Jarry, the Oilers chose to gamble on a goaltender with a higher upside, even if he brings similar consistency concerns.
On paper, Edmonton's goaltending appears stronger than it did a year ago. A three-goalie rotation gives the coaching staff greater flexibility to manage workloads while reducing the risk of overplaying any one netminder.
There are still significant questions. Both Andersen and Jarry have dealt with injuries and inconsistent stretches throughout their careers, making durability a legitimate concern. However, Andersen's one-year contract gives Edmonton a low-risk opportunity to evaluate whether he can provide stability, while a new coaching staff could help Jarry rediscover his best form.
How Should The Oilers Deploy The New Andersen-Jarry Goaltending Tandem
The Edmonton Oilers changed up their goaltending picture this summer, signing longtime NHL goalie Frederik Andersen to form a tandem with veteran Tristan Jarry. But how should new Oilers coach Mike Babcock use the two goalies?
Meanwhile, Levi adds an intriguing element to the equation. As one of the organization's top young prospects, he brings energy, upside, and internal competition. If he develops as hoped, the Oilers could finally have both a reliable present and a promising future in goal.
Whether this trio becomes the solution remains to be seen, but compared to previous seasons, Edmonton has undoubtedly improved its goaltending depth on paper.
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This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 11:48 AM.