Devon Levi to Start as Oilers Add Zach Hyman to Injured List for Two Weeks

# Situation summary

# What changes on the ice

# Roster and cap moves

The team made roster adjustments Thursday morning. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was placed on injured reserve. Matt Savoie and Alec Regula were moved to long-term injured reserve (LTIR). Those LTIR moves were noted as a mechanism to begin creating cap space once those players are activated. Public cap tracking cited by the reporting shows the Oilers with $761,666 in available cap space after the moves.

# Coach message and depth opportunity

Babcock framed the spate of injuries as an opening for younger or new players to find roles. He said the organization is "trying everybody" to figure out line fits and that adversity early in the season can be constructive. That translates into more ice time and responsibility for depth forwards and for Levi in net.

# Immediate schedule impact

Edmonton plays Vancouver in the rematch, then returns home to face the Seattle Kraken. The team then embarks on a three-game road trip visiting Anaheim, San Jose, and Los Angeles. The short-term absence of several regulars means the team will field a noticeably different lineup through at least the next two weeks, depending on recoveries.

# Tactical considerations

• Goaltending: Devon Levi's start follows an opener where goaltending struggled. How Levi performs could influence playing time decisions in the crease going forward.
• Forward depth: Missing multiple top-nine forwards forces reliance on lesser-used players to handle middle-six minutes and special teams tasks.
• Cap flexibility: LTIR placements are being used to manage the roster under the salary cap while injured players get closer to returning.

# Bottom line

The Oilers enter a brief stretch with a depleted forward group and a goaltending change. Devon Levi gets a chance to prove himself in an NHL start while depth forwards are expected to shoulder bigger roles. The club's roster moves create minimal cap room now but are structured to provide some flexibility when injured players are ready to come off LTIR.