Tristan Jarry aims for rebound as Oilers sort a crowded crease

# What's at stake Tristan Jarry wants a fresh start. Last season's move to Edmonton began well but was interrupted by a lower-body injury shortly after he was acquired. He missed nearly a month, returned and didn't regain form. The Oilers still plan to open the season with him in net on Sept. 29, and he spent the summer preparing for a bounce-back.

# The crease picture in Edmonton Edmonton arrived at camp with seven goaltenders. That group includes Frederik Andersen, Devon Levi and Jarry as the front-line names to watch.

• Devon Levi was acquired in an off-season trade with Buffalo. He brings potential and youth but has only played 39 NHL games across four seasons.

# What happened last season Jarry began last season with Pittsburgh on a strong note, but after being traded to Edmonton on Dec. 12 he played three games before suffering a lower-body injury in Boston on Dec. 18. He missed almost a full month and, according to general manager Stan Bowman, "when he came back, he never found his game."

Jarry's numbers with the Oilers: 19 games, 9-6-2 record, one shutout and a 3.86 goals-against average. Those numbers reflect a mix of injury interruption and uneven team performance in front of him.

# Team view and Jarry's preparation GM Stan Bowman described the sequence that followed the injury as a confidence problem compounded by missed time and a team that "didn't really play great in front of him either." Bowman also said Jarry worked hard over the summer and entered camp in excellent form: "He's setting himself up in the best way possible to bounce back," Bowman said. "And we're confident and hopeful that will happen."

Jarry himself has acknowledged last season didn't go how he wanted and framed his objective simply as regaining confidence and play that felt like himself.

# Practical implications for the opening months With Andersen unavailable until about late October, Edmonton will lean on Jarry early while integrating Levi into the mix. That timeline gives Jarry a chance to establish rhythm and for the coaching staff to evaluate workload and performance before Andersen returns.

If Jarry hits form, the Oilers gain stability ahead of the full roster settling with Andersen back. If he struggles, the team can turn to Levi and prepare for Andersen's arrival as a potential course correction.

# What to watch in camp and early season

• Jarry's rebound in save percentage and goals-against average in preseason and early regular-season games.

• Devon Levi's performance in relief appearances or spot starts as an indicator of short-term depth.

The crease situation is measurable: Jarry's health and form, Andersen's rehab progress, and Levi's readiness will determine the Oilers' goaltending balance through the early part of the season.