Oilers Rumors: Edmonton Given Golden Opportunity To Pursue Clear Upgrade on Calvin Pickard

While the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending struggles continue, a golden opportunity may soon present itself to upgrade their crease.

The Edmonton Oilers had one of the best squads in the league last season. But despite that, the team lost its second consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. And a big reason for that remained their goaltending struggles with their current goalie tandem.

So, heading into the offseason, the franchise had a clear goal of acquiring a goalie who could substitute for either Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard. And while they had been unsuccessful so far, it looks like the Oilers might finally have a chance of an upgrade.

The Oilers Might Finally Get an Opportunity To Improve Their Goaltending Struggles

Since the summer, the Oilers and GM Stan Bowman have been searching for a reliable goaltending option for the upcoming season. So far, the franchise has come up empty, with their top target, John Gibson, being traded by the Anaheim Ducks to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Petr Mrazek.

Meanwhile, Jake Allen re-signed with the New Jersey Devils, leaving the Oilers without a clear solution in net. But according to The Athletic’s Jesse Granger, with Utah Mammoth goaltender Connor Ingram expected to hit waivers, Edmonton could finally have a chance to make a move.

Utah GM Bill Armstrong announced on Wednesday, September 17, that the franchise and Ingram mutually agreed to part ways. Having been cleared by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on August 20, the goaltender is now set to resume his playing career.

To this, Granger mentioned, “It seems no list of teams needing goaltending is complete without the Oilers.” While Edmonton remains confident in Skinner’s abilities, he believes adding Ingram could provide a valuable boost to their goalie tandem.

Granger added, “Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman said Wednesday that he likes where the team is with Stuart Skinner entering the season as the starter, but adding another goalie to the depth chart certainly wouldn’t hurt.”

Granger noted that while Ingram might not be a franchise-changing addition in net, he would still be a clear upgrade over Calvin Pickard as a secondary option. Armstrong has already indicated that Ingram will be placed on waivers if a trade cannot be worked out.

“We will, at some point, put him through waivers,” Armstrong said. “Through that process, he’ll either get a chance with another NHL team or head to the AHL to resume playing. At the end of the day, he’ll be on the ice, and that’s what we’re excited about.”

Ingram is entering the final year of his three-year, $5.85 million contract, carrying a manageable $1.95 million cap hit and making him an appealing target for the Oilers.

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