The Edmonton Oilers begin the 2026-27 regular season on Tuesday night against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Place, and they will do so with Tristan Jarry in goal. Mike Babcock said on Monday that Jarry would get the opening-night start after appearing in two preseason games.
It is a notable first step for an Oilers team that spent training camp getting used to a new system under Babcock. The emphasis was on playing fast and responsibly, and the preseason results were encouraging: Edmonton went 4-0-0 and outscored opponents 14-5.
Jarry's assignment also carries its own context. The 31-year-old was coming off a tough finish in Edmonton, but Babcock said he worked hard over the summer and improved his conditioning. He also worked closely with goaltending coach Peter Aubry, and the coach said they appear to have a plan to stabilize his game.
What Babcock saw from Jarry
Babcock said Jarry was solid in both preseason games, and specifically noted that he was better in the second outing when Edmonton was under pressure. In two games against Winnipeg and Vancouver, Jarry stopped 40 of 42 shots across five periods, giving the Oilers a controlled look at their opening-night starter before the games count for real.
For Edmonton, the opener is about more than one goaltending decision. It is the first game of a new season, a fresh test of a new system, and another chance to push toward the Stanley Cup. Leon Draisaitl said the excitement of a new year always brings the energy back, but he also pointed out that the team is still working through timing and details. Even so, he said the Oilers took big steps in the preseason and are excited for Tuesday.
That combination of confidence and unfinished business fits the moment. The Oilers looked sharp in exhibition play, but the Canucks will provide an early measuring stick once the regular season starts at 8:00 PM MT in Edmonton. With Jarry in net and the lineup now moving from camp habits to regular-season urgency, opening night gives the Oilers an immediate chance to see how far their work has carried them.
