The Oilers are getting two important pieces back for tonight’s game against Vancouver.
Edmonton announced that goaltender Devon Levi and winger Zach Hyman have both been activated off injured reserve, and the club cleared room by sending goalie Matt Tomkins to AHL Bakersfield, according to the NHL’s media site.
Levi’s return comes after a short absence caused by an undisclosed injury that sidelined him two weeks ago. The 24-year-old was acquired this summer as GM Stan Bowman continued his push to stabilize Edmonton’s goaltending, and a summer injury to Frederik Andersen opened the door for Levi to seize the job. It hasn’t been a clean run, but he had established himself before getting hurt.
In seven starts this season, Levi has posted a 3.11 GAA and an .887 SV%. The Oilers have still managed to win six of those games, leaning on their offense to cover for uneven goaltending.
With Levi back, Tristan Jarry is now the one who will sit, even though he has been sharp lately with a .942 SV% and two shutouts in his last four outings. Another battle for the starting role would not be a surprise.
Hyman’s path back has been more stop-and-start. The veteran first missed six games because of a lingering upper-body injury suffered in the preseason, then returned only to be sidelined again five games later by a neck injury that has kept him out for the last couple of weeks.
Production has been limited too, with just one goal in his six appearances, but Edmonton is still getting back a player who has been a major part of its attack. He scored 31 goals last season in only 58 games.
Tomkins’ stint on the NHL roster ends for now after a brief but useful run. He made two starts during this recall, winning one and stopping 44 of 50 shots. Before his promotion, he had been off to a strong start with Bakersfield, putting up a 2.40 GAA and a .909 SV% in three games for the Condors.
In Other News...
Oilers Get The Win They Needed But One Concern Just Grew
The Oilers got the kind of result they needed with a 4-2 win over Vancouver, and they did it with a few familiar pieces back in the mix. Connor McDavid kept his run rolling with another multi-point night, extending both his point and assist streak while helping set up goals for Mattias Ekholm and Leon Draisaitl. Devon Levi was back in net and gave Edmonton a solid enough return, turning aside 20 of 22 shots, while Zach Hyman also rejoined the lineup and chipped in an assist.
Even with the victory, the game carried a little more edge than the final score suggested. Edmontons offense looked sharp enough to keep control, but the night ended with one of the clubs regular contributors unavailable for the third period after taking a puck to the face, a reminder that the lineup remains a moving target even when the standings points come through. For a team trying to build momentum, the win mattered, but so did the concern that came with it. [Read more 🡒]
Oilers Make A Blue Line Move That Puts Depth In Focus
The Oilers made a blue-line move that underscores how much roster depth matters early in the season, placing defenceman Atro Leppnen on waivers. Leppnen, who signed a one-year contract extension over the summer, has not yet appeared this season while working back from injury, leaving Edmonton to sort out where he fits once he is healthy enough to return.
If he clears waivers, Leppnen would head to the AHLs Bakersfield Condors, a familiar next step for a player trying to get his game back on track. For the Oilers, the decision keeps the focus on managing depth on defence while waiting to see how the rest of the roster settles in around him. [Read more 🡒]
Oilers Get A Needed Lineup Reset Against Vancouver
The Oilers are getting a much-needed reset against Vancouver, and it starts with a healthier-looking lineup than they have been able to ice lately. Devon Levi is back in goal for the first time since Oct. 22 after missing seven games with an undisclosed injury, giving Edmonton a chance to settle back into a more familiar rhythm behind a group that has been juggling bodies and roles.
Zach Hyman is also set to rejoin the mix, while Trent Frederic and Ty Emberson are expected back after recent absences. Tristan Jarry will serve as the backup, and Matt Tomkins has been sent down to the AHL, giving the Oilers a clearer picture of their depth as they try to stabilize things heading into a key stretch. [Read more 🡒]