The Edmonton Oilers announced Friday that goaltender Devon Levi has been placed on injured reserve after suffering an undisclosed ailment. The injury occurred during the team's recent thrilling 6-5 shootout victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. In response to Levi's unavailability, the Oilers have recalled goaltender Matt Tomkins from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, under emergency conditions. The team made this announcement publicly on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This development marks a concerning turn for the Oilers' goaltending department. It follows an earlier injury to Stanley Cup winner Frederik Andersen, who signed a one-year contract with the club before the 2026-27 NHL season. Andersen's injury, which occurred prior to the season's start, is expected to keep him out of play until the winter months, further compounding the team's challenges in net.
Goaltending has consistently been a identified as a position of weakness for the Oilers over the last handful of seasons. General Manager Stan Bowman had sought to address this by making moves to upgrade the club's goaltending department ahead of the current season. As part of this strategy, Bowman acquired Devon Levi, who had not fully established himself in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, and brought him to Edmonton. These efforts aimed to provide the team with enhanced stability and performance at a critical position.
In his first season with the Oilers, Levi had shown a strong start, compiling a record of 6-1, alongside a 3.11 goals-against average and an .887 save percentage. His current placement on injured reserve, combined with Andersen’s existing absence, means the team is now without both goaltenders brought in to stabilize the position for a significant period, amplifying concerns about their depth.
Naturally, the news of Levi’s injury, particularly in light of Andersen’s ongoing recovery, elicited reactions from Oilers fans that were generally not positive. Many expressed frustration regarding the unfolding situation, with some conveying concerns about the team's ability to maintain its winning momentum and secure victories. However, a more optimistic perspective also emerged from some fans, who suggested that the team should prioritize caution and allow Levi ample time for recovery rather than pushing him to return prematurely. This viewpoint emphasized Levi's importance for the team's future success, suggesting that even a brief recovery period for a minor ailment would be a prudent approach.
