Connor Ingram (Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images)EDMONTON – Goaltending is one of the hardest positions to play in all of sports, let alone hockey.
As Edmonton Oilers fans know, goalies (typically) get minimal praise when things are going right, and all of the criticism when things go south. That’s a significant reason why mental toughness is as important as skill when it comes to the goalie position.
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Stuart Skinner is a very even-keeled person. He has done significant work to allow himself to handle the mental rigors of the position. But, he can’t single-handedly propel the Oilers to a Stanley Cup.
Skinner has to work in tandem with someone, and now, there is a new potential goalie for the Oilers to target in a trade.
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The NHL and NHLPA have cleared Connor Ingram to return to the NHL. He entered into the NHLPA Players' Assistance program in March after his mother’s death in December.
His return gives the Utah Mammoth three NHL goalies under contract for the 2025-26 season. Karel Vejmelka is entering the first year of a five-year extension, while Vitek Vanecek signed a one-year deal this summer after winning a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers.
This might make Ingram available. If he is, the Oilers should check the acquisition cost.
Ingram had a down year last season, recording nine wins, a 3.27 goals against average (GAA), and an .882 save percentage (SV%) in 22 games. This down season would lower the price tag on trading for him.
The two previous seasons, he posted some good numbers. In 2023-24 he had a record of 23-21-3, a 2.91 GAA, a .907 SV%, and six shutouts in 50 games. The year before that, he had a 6-13-8 record, 3.37 GAA, a .907 SV%, and one shutout.
Ingram is in the final year of a contract paying him $1.95 million.
As the team of second chances, this is one second chance the Oilers have to give.
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