The Edmonton Oilers have conceded 13 goals across their first two games of the 2026-27 season, a high-scoring start that now has management evaluating the roster’s immediate needs. While the team has netted 14 goals, the defensive end remains a work in progress under new coach Mike Babcock, with the squad currently carrying a league-worst .711 team save percentage. Goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi have faced early struggles, posting save percentages of .739 and .682 respectively in their initial appearances.
For the organization, these early trends present a dilemma between sticking to long-term plans or pivoting due to current instability. General manager Stan Bowman previously identified a right-shot centre who excels in faceoffs and penalty killing as a primary target. However, the combination of a high goals-against total and a series of injuries to key forwards has forced the front office to reconsider its priorities. Stability in the defensive zone and the transition to a more disciplined 200-foot system remain at the heart of the team's internal discussions.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the team is actively exploring the market for a lateral trade, specifically looking to swap one of their eight waiver-eligible defencemen for forward depth. The team is currently missing four of its top seven forwards, including Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Matt Saovie, while Jason Dickinson works to return from injury. While management does not consider the situation a long-term crisis, the depth on the blue line provides a clear avenue to address the forward vacancies.
As the team continues to integrate Babcock’s coaching style, the focus remains on refining defensive habits to avoid the lackluster play that has cost them in early matchups. With no immediate roster moves finalized, the Oilers will continue to assess whether to address the centre position or prioritize immediate defensive and goaltending support through the trade market.