The Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation has taken another unexpected turn, leading to speculation that a surprising netminder could emerge as the team's last hope between the pipes. Just as newly acquired Tristan Jarry was settling in, a lower-body injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks. This setback occurred a mere three games after the Oilers traded Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Jarry and forward Sam Poulin.
With Jarry on injured reserve, the Oilers have recalled Connor Ingram from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors to back up Calvin Pickard. Pickard started in Saturday's loss to the Minnesota Wild, while Ingram got the nod in Sunday's 4-3 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights. However, deeper stats reveal a concerning picture: Pickard's .861 save percentage and Ingram's .856 in the AHL indicate a lack of proven NHL-ready depth.
The Oilers' goaltending carousel has been a constant source of anxiety this season. The team currently sits third in the Pacific Division with an 18-13-6 record, but the instability in net remains a major concern.
Amidst this uncertainty, NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggested an intriguing possibility: the Oilers could pursue veteran Marc-Andre Fleury once the roster freeze is lifted. Seravalli noted that Fleury, who stepped away from the game after the 2024-25 season, has been back on the ice and might be open to a comeback with a contender.
"I'd have to think that one name that the Edmonton Oilers are thinking about today in this circumstance is Mark Andre Fleury,” Seravalli said. He also pointed out that Fleury played in a preseason game with the Penguins earlier this year and might have the "itch to keep playing".
Fleury, now 41, had a solid career before his brief retirement, and Seravalli believes the Oilers fit the bill for his potential return. "If he's gonna comeback, it's gonna be a team that has an authentic chance to win and that's got the Oilers written all over it," he stated. He estimated the odds of Fleury's return at 70-30.
While Fleury's return is speculative, the Oilers' current situation necessitates exploring all options. Jarry's injury history, coupled with the unproven nature of Pickard and Ingram, creates a volatile mix. The team needs stability in net to solidify its playoff aspirations.
Calvin Pickard, a journeyman who has exceeded expectations, provides a reliable backup option. Connor Ingram's recent win against Vegas showcased his potential, but consistency remains key. However, the possibility of Fleury, a seasoned veteran with a Stanley Cup pedigree, joining the Oilers adds an intriguing layer to this unfolding narrative.
