After clearing waivers last week, netminder Connor Ingram is headed north. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Utah Mammoth are trading Ingram to the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers subsequently announced the trade, confirming they are acquiring Ingram for future considerations and that the Mammoth will retain $800K of his $1.95MM salary.
Given that Ingram was exposed on the waiver wire a few days ago, it was surprising that the Oilers waited until now to make a trade. However, with Utah lowering Edmonton’s financial burden to $1.15MM for the 2025-26 season, the trade becomes more understandable. The Oilers can now send Ingram to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, while being able to bury his full salary until they may need him during the regular season.
Still, there are some question marks on exactly what version of Ingram the Oilers are getting. From the 2022-23 season to 2023-24, Ingram was excellent for the Arizona Coyotes as a backup and the starter, managing a 29-34-11 record in 77 games with a .907 SV% and 3.08 GAA, with a respectable 8.1 Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA).
Unfortunately, after the Coyotes closed their doors and Ingram joined the new Utah Hockey Club, his production cratered. Last season, he earned a 9-8-4 record in 22 games with a .882 SV% and 3.27 GAA, including a dismal -10.1 GSAA. He decided to leave the team in early March to enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, and he was not cleared until late August.
Shortly before training camp, the Mammoth shared their intentions of placing Ingram on waivers, allowing him a fresh start to his career. He’ll now get that opportunity in AHL Bakersfield, and potentially the Oilers at some point during the regular season.
For better or for worse, Edmonton appears adamant on leaving Stuart Skinner in the starter’s crease for the 2025-26 campaign, with Calvin Pickard as his backup. Still, should Ingram regain his form with the Condors, the Oilers shouldn’t have any hesitation giving him a look at the NHL level. Last year, Skinner and Pickard combined for a .897 SV% throughout the regular season, and a .888 SV% in the postseason, despite the Oilers reaching the Stanley Cup Final for a second consecutive year.
Three backup goaltenders should be enough to get Edmonton back to the finals.
“…it was surprising that the Oilers waited until now to make a trade.”
It’s not the slightest bit surprising. By trading for him after he clears waivers they don’t have to waive him again. Leaving aside the salary retention by Utah, they can assign him to the AHL and see if he gets his game in order before trying him in the NHL
Ingram was actually solid on an abysmal Coyotes team before they moved, if he finds his game he might steal the crease from Skinner
At his best, Ingram is a very capable NHL goalie. Just hope he has good health and can be a productive Oiler.