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Former Edmonton Oilers forward and NHL enforcer Georges Laraque believes the team’s biggest issue remains unchanged despite another offseason overhaul.
Speaking on the Bleed Oil Blue Podcast, Laraque argued that Edmonton’s goaltending continues to hold the team back during Connor McDavid‘s Stanley Cup window.
“The biggest problem we’ve had for years, which I don’t understand, is the goalie,” Laraque said. “Every year we go get a goalie. I never agree with it. I know it’s not going to work.”
MORE: Connor McDavid calls Mike Babcock hire ‘great opportunity’ for Oilers
Laraque questioned Edmonton’s repeated strategy of acquiring reclamation projects instead of proven starters.
“Every time we go and get a goalie, we get a project. We hope, when he comes to us, he’s going to be good,” Laraque said. “Every time, that gives us another goalie against the cap, which creates a cap problem, and he cannot stop a beach ball.”
Edmonton’s concerns are backed by recent results. The Oilers finished last in the NHL with a .884 five-on-five save percentage during the 2025-26 season. Tristan Jarry posted a 3.86 goals-against average after arriving from Pittsburgh, while Edmonton’s playoff save percentage dropped to .867 during its first-round exit against Anaheim.
Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates the win with goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
General manager Stan Bowman responded to last season’s disappointing result by rebuilding the position again. Now, Edmonton will carry Tristan Jarry, Frederik Andersen, and Devon Levi into the 2026-27 season.
The approach protects Levi from waivers while managing Andersen’s workload and giving Jarry another chance to reclaim the starting role.
The Athletic’s Allen Mitchell believes Jarry still enters camp as the favorite. “Based on evidence, Jarry is the most likely candidate to win the day,” Mitchell wrote. He noted Jarry remains the organization’s preferred starter because of his experience, contract (with an AAV of $5,375,000), and previous success before injuries.
Mitchell also warned that the arrangement cannot last forever. “Eventually, there’s only room for two,” he wrote.
MORE: Connor McDavid gives honest take on Maple Leafs No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna
The pressure on Edmonton is greater than ever. McDavid’s two-year extension gives management a narrow championship timeline. The Oilers strengthened their defense and changed coaches, but success still depends on consistent goaltending. Until one netminder proves reliable, Laraque’s criticism will continue to follow the franchise.
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Speaking on the Bleed Oil Blue Podcast, Laraque argued that Edmonton’s goaltending continues to hold the team back during Connor McDavid‘s Stanley Cup window.
“The biggest problem we’ve had for years, which I don’t understand, is the goalie,” Laraque said. “Every year we go get a goalie. I never agree with it. I know it’s not going to work.”
MORE: Connor McDavid calls Mike Babcock hire ‘great opportunity’ for Oilers
Laraque questioned Edmonton’s repeated strategy of acquiring reclamation projects instead of proven starters.
“Every time we go and get a goalie, we get a project. We hope, when he comes to us, he’s going to be good,” Laraque said. “Every time, that gives us another goalie against the cap, which creates a cap problem, and he cannot stop a beach ball.”
Edmonton’s concerns are backed by recent results. The Oilers finished last in the NHL with a .884 five-on-five save percentage during the 2025-26 season. Tristan Jarry posted a 3.86 goals-against average after arriving from Pittsburgh, while Edmonton’s playoff save percentage dropped to .867 during its first-round exit against Anaheim.
Edmonton betting on another reset in goal
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Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates the win with goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
General manager Stan Bowman responded to last season’s disappointing result by rebuilding the position again. Now, Edmonton will carry Tristan Jarry, Frederik Andersen, and Devon Levi into the 2026-27 season.
The approach protects Levi from waivers while managing Andersen’s workload and giving Jarry another chance to reclaim the starting role.
The Athletic’s Allen Mitchell believes Jarry still enters camp as the favorite. “Based on evidence, Jarry is the most likely candidate to win the day,” Mitchell wrote. He noted Jarry remains the organization’s preferred starter because of his experience, contract (with an AAV of $5,375,000), and previous success before injuries.
Mitchell also warned that the arrangement cannot last forever. “Eventually, there’s only room for two,” he wrote.
MORE: Connor McDavid gives honest take on Maple Leafs No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna
The pressure on Edmonton is greater than ever. McDavid’s two-year extension gives management a narrow championship timeline. The Oilers strengthened their defense and changed coaches, but success still depends on consistent goaltending. Until one netminder proves reliable, Laraque’s criticism will continue to follow the franchise.
Continue reading...
