Edmonton Oilers Acquire Goaltender Connor Ingram to Strengthen Net

What's Happening?

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth in a strategic move to bolster their goaltending lineup. The trade, announced on Wednesday, involves future considerations, with Utah retaining $800,000 of Ingram's contract, which has a $1.95 million cap hit. Ingram, who was placed on waivers by Utah on September 17, had not been claimed by any team. The 28-year-old goaltender had a challenging season with Utah, posting a 9-8-4 record with a 3.27 goals-against average and a .882 save percentage over 22 games. Ingram's career has been marked by personal challenges, including entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program following his mother's death and previous struggles with mental health issues. Despite these challenges, Ingram had a standout season with the Arizona Coyotes in 2023-24, earning the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey.

Why It's Important?

This acquisition is significant for the Edmonton Oilers, who have been seeking consistent goaltending support to complement their star players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice in recent years but were defeated both times by the Florida Panthers, highlighting the need for stronger goaltending. Ingram's addition could provide the depth and reliability needed in the net, potentially altering the team's performance in future playoff runs. For Ingram, this trade represents an opportunity to revitalize his career and contribute to a team with championship aspirations. The Oilers' decision to initially place Ingram with their AHL team in Bakersfield suggests a strategic approach to integrating him into their system.

What's Next?

Connor Ingram will report to the Oilers' AHL affiliate in Bakersfield, where he will likely work on regaining his form and confidence. The Oilers will monitor his progress closely, with the potential for him to be called up to the NHL team if he performs well. This move could also prompt further adjustments in the Oilers' goaltending roster, depending on Ingram's performance and the needs of the team as the season progresses. The Oilers' management and coaching staff will be keenly observing how this acquisition impacts their overall strategy and performance in the upcoming games.