The Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation has taken an unexpected turn with the emergence of Connor Ingram. Initially acquired as a depth option, Ingram's role has significantly expanded due to unforeseen circumstances, pushing him into the spotlight.

At the start of the 2025-26 season, the Oilers' addressed their goaltending, trading with the Utah Mammoth for Connor Ingram. Oilers General Manager, Stan Bowman, said the move was primarily aimed at strengthening the team's depth. At the time, the plan was for Ingram to join the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically when the Oilers traded Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tristan Jarry on December 12, 2025. Just days after joining the team, Jarry sustained a lower-body injury during a game against the Boston Bruins on December 18, 2025 and was placed on injured reserve. This unexpected setback forced the Oilers to recall Ingram from Bakersfield.

Ingram's opportunity arrived sooner than anticipated. He made his Oilers debut on December 21, 2025, in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights, securing a 4-3 victory. He followed that up with another start against the Calgary Flames on December 23, 2025. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch expressed confidence in Ingram, noting his solid performance and the opportunity to build momentum.

Before his recall, Ingram's statistics with the Condors were not stellar, with a 4-5-2 record, a 4.04 goals-against average, and an .856 save percentage in 11 games. However, he has demonstrated the ability to perform at a high level in the NHL, which prompted the Oilers to acquire him. In 102 NHL games with the Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, and Utah Mammoth, Ingram has a 39-44-15 record with a .902 save percentage and a 3.14 GAA.

The Oilers are relying on Ingram to provide stability in net while Jarry recovers. Jarry is expected to be out for a couple of weeks. This provides Ingram with a valuable opportunity to prove his worth and potentially secure a more permanent role with the team.

While Ingram's strong start has been a positive surprise, questions remain about his long-term viability as a reliable option, especially heading into the playoffs. Some analysts suggest that the Oilers may still explore other goaltending options. There have been rumors of interest in veteran goalies such as Marc-Andre Fleury.

Ingram's journey has been marked by personal challenges. He entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in March of 2025 and was cleared to return in August. He has also publicly shared his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and coping with the loss of his mother. Despite these challenges, Ingram remains grateful for the opportunity to be back in the NHL and is determined to make the most of his chance with the Oilers.