Despite the potential upside, Connor Ingram remains jobless. Why is there hesitation in free agency to sign what could be a potential steal?
There's an interesting thing going on in free agency this summer. A handful of really solid players aren't signed to new contracts, and among them is former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram.
Despite having some of the best numbers of any unrestricted free agent goaltender available this offseason, he's yet to get a deal. And even though there was talk that the Ottawa Senators would be among the teams prioritizing him as a possible option, there's been no movement in that regard.
There's been no movement in any regard, for that matter. It's a ghost town when it comes to conversations about Ingram landing anywhere.
Why?
Kevin Woodley of In Goal Magazine was on Sports 1440 and noted he was surprised Ingram hadn't gotten a deal. He suggested that some teams won't overlook the fact Ingram has "been in the program on that side of it", they aren't interested.
In the program means the Players Assistance Program, which Ingram entered twice. It was first in 2021 while with the Nashville Predators to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related alcohol use. The second time was on March 9, 2025, while playing for Utah. His mother passed away from breast cancer.
It might not be fair and it might not be right, but Woodley wonders if there are concerns from some teams.
He didn't believe the Oilers were among the teams thinking that way. Edmonton was more concerned with the playoff performance and his numbers. That's why they changed things up to acquire Devon Levi via trade and Frederik Andersen via free agency. But are other teams not sure they can count on Ingram?
Will Someone Get a Good Deal?
The fact he's not signed yet feels less about him asking for too much money and more about the fact that most teams have their goaltending situations figured out. But, for clubs that aren't entirely sure, Ingram could be a steal.
If he has to sign a one-year, show-me deal on the cheap, it's the kind of contract that could pay big dividends.
The Oilers got a lot out of him. Can another team sign a motivated Ingram and take advantage of the fact he's apparently got something to prove?
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