Mike Babcock confirms the worst for the Edmonton Oilers and fans will want to look away

Frederik Andersen's absence just became a much bigger problem for Mike Babcock and the Edmonton Oilers.

Babcock revealed Andersen might not return until December, pushing what was already a concerning absence deep into the opening months of Edmonton's season.

That changes the entire picture in the crease. Andersen was brought in as another veteran option, but the Oilers now have to move forward with Tristan Jarry carrying the heavier workload.

Jarry entered the season with plenty to prove after posting an .857 save percentage and 3.86 goals-against average in 19 games with Edmonton last season.

Babcock still gave him the opening-night assignment against the Vancouver Canucks.

That decision was backed by a strong preseason in which Jarry stopped 40 of 42 shots across five periods.

"Tristan Jarry tonight vs Canucks:

-4 GSAX
17/23 shots stopped
5.90 GAA
.739 SV%"

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Now it's no longer simply an opening-night opportunity. Andersen's timeline means Jarry has a real runway to establish himself as Edmonton's primary option.

babcock on if the oilers needed more from tristan jarry: "well, i mean, obviously that was pretty clear. everyone knows that, so we might as well move on, but i think he's a good player. our part is to play way better. that was ridiculous."

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Andersen's absence puts the pressure on Jarry

The timing makes the situation tougher. Edmonton has barely started its schedule, and Babcock already knows he could be without one of his veteran goaltenders for roughly the first two months.

Devon Levi gives the Oilers another option, but Jarry entered the year ahead of him on the depth chart. Babcock made that clear by handing Jarry the crease for the opener.

That puts every start under a brighter spotlight. Jarry can quiet the concern quickly if his preseason form carries into meaningful games, but his Edmonton numbers from last season remain impossible to ignore.

Andersen's absence also removes some of Babcock's flexibility. There's no veteran tandem to lean on, no easy rotation between two experienced starters while the Oilers settle into their new system.

Edmonton has other injury problems, too. Babcock said Matthew Savoie faces an 8-week absence, while Mattias Janmark remains a long way from returning.

But the crease carries different stakes. The Oilers need stability there immediately, and Andersen won't be arriving to provide it anytime soon.

For now, the net belongs to Jarry. Edmonton's early season could depend heavily on what he does with it.

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