The Edmonton Oilers are heading into a crucial 2026-27 season that could shape their future. Connor McDavid reaches NHL free agency in the summer of 2028. If he gets the feeling things aren't going well, he could bolt. Winning the Stanley Cup would alleviate that pressure, and Tristan Jarry is fully aware of this.

Jarry has not been in Edmonton all that long. He joined the Oilers through trade last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. But he understands what's at stake this season. He hopes to play a significant role in bringing the Stanley Cup north of the border.

“There’s obviously a lot of pressure, but there’s a lot of pressure everywhere,” said Jarry, via Sportsnet. “To be able to play for this team, with these players, and hopefully go a long way and be that last team playing in June, that’s your goal. To be the goalie for that, it would be something special.”

Jarry's time in Edmonton has not gone all that well. He struggled mightily after the aforementioned trade. Edmonton is looking at carrying three goaltenders this season. Once Frederik Andersen returns from his injury, the net may not be Jarry's to win.

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At the same time, he is motivated to win the net. He believes he has the talent to succeed for this team. It's all about having the belief in his talents to put it all together.

“Obviously, last year didn’t go the way that I wanted. I think it’s just a confidence thing, knowing after what happened and how it did,” Jarry said. “It was just having the confidence … and knowing that it’s not going to happen again.”

The Oilers begin their Stanley Cup quest on September 29 against the Vancouver Canucks.