The Edmonton Oilers are facing a significant goaltending dilemma as Tristan Jarry is set to return from a lower-body injury sustained on December 18. Head coach Kris Knoblauch indicated that Jarry is expected to play "some time this coming week". Jarry's return forces the Oilers to make tough decisions regarding their goaltending roster, which currently includes Connor Ingram and Calvin Pickard, who have been filling the void during Jarry's absence.
Acquired by the Oilers in a trade, Jarry started his Oilers career with three consecutive victories. However, his injury in the third game sidelined him, leading to the call-up of Connor Ingram from the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL). In Jarry's absence, both Ingram and Pickard have had opportunities to prove themselves as potential backups.
Ingram, since being called up, has started six games for the Oilers and has a record of 4-2-1 with a 2.70 goals-against average (GAA) and a .904 save percentage. While not spectacular, the 28-year-old has shown enough to warrant consideration for a continued role in Edmonton. Pickard has a 5-6-2 record with a .871 save percentage and a 3.68 GAA this season.
Coach Knoblauch has been cautious about revealing the team's plans, stating that a decision will be made upon Jarry's return. The Oilers have three games before January 17, and it's possible that each goalie could start in one of those games.
The Oilers activated both Jarry and defenseman Jake Walman off injured reserve on Tuesday. In corresponding moves, they placed forward Adam Henrique on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and changed Ingram's status from emergency recall to regular recall.
Several factors complicate the Oilers' decision. Keeping three goalies on the roster is unlikely due to salary cap and roster limitations. Designating Jarry as the starter seems inevitable, given his performance before the injury and the investment the team made to acquire him. The question then becomes who will serve as his backup. If the Oilers decide to send Ingram down after Jarry is deemed healthy, there could be a waiver claim.
The Oilers could carry three goalies by placing Adam Henrique on LTIR; this would give them $270,000 of cap space and allow them to carry a roster of 23 players with three goalies, seven defensemen, and 13 forwards.
The Oilers are currently second in the Pacific Division with a 23-16-7 record, just one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights. The team will face the Nashville Predators again on Tuesday. With Jarry's return, the Oilers hope to solidify their goaltending situation and continue their push for a playoff spot.
