Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has publicly praised goaltender Devon Levi for his confidence and athleticism following a strong start to the 2026-27 NHL season.
Levi, who joined the Oilers from the Buffalo Sabres in July, has compiled an 8-1-0 record through his first nine starts, according to The Big Lead.
The 24-year-old netminder has maintained a 2.75 goals-against average and an .899 save percentage during his tenure in Edmonton.
McDavid highlighted the young goaltender’s personality and his ability to handle the pressure of his new role.
“Just a confident kid, honestly,” McDavid said of his teammate.
The captain noted that Levi’s approach to practice and his commitment to self-care have made a positive impression on the team.
McDavid specifically identified patience as the trait that separates Levi from other goaltenders, particularly during high-pressure situations like breakaways and shootouts.
“I think that’s the biggest thing when I shoot on him,” McDavid stated.
The Oilers captain explained that rather than committing to a move too early, Levi trusts his reflexes and instincts to react to the shooter.
This steady performance has provided a reliable presence for an Oilers team that currently holds a 14-3-3 record, as noted by The Big Lead.
Levi recently secured consecutive victories against the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers after returning from a lower-body injury.
While the team continues to benefit from an explosive offense led by McDavid, the addition of stable goaltending has bolstered the roster’s defensive capabilities.
As the season progresses, the organization is looking for Levi to maintain his current level of play to help the club remain competitive in the league.
The goaltender’s ability to handle the demands of his position suggests that he is well-equipped to manage the responsibility of being a starting netminder for the Oilers, according to reports from the team’s media coverage.