The Edmonton Oilers have found themselves back at square one following Monday’s 5-1 loss to the Sabres. They’ve dropped two of their last three games, bringing their record to 9-8-4. A major issue plaguing the Oilers is their goaltending situation.
With Stuart Skinner struggling to find consistency, many fans are looking to Connor Ingram. He is currently playing for the Oilers’ AHL affiliate as a potential solution to the team’s goaltending woes.
What’s Delaying the Oilers’ Plan for Connor Ingram?
The Oilers acquired Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth in October for future considerations. Ingram didn’t participate in the Utah training camp over the offseason, so the Oilers assigned him to the Condors to help him get back in form.
During a recent appearance on the “Oilers Now” podcast with Bob Stauffer, Bakersfield Condors head coach Colin Chaulk discussed Ingram’s performance this AHL season. “Missed training camp, you know, we’re gonna take a little step, the quick close notes was great in his first game, wasn’t seen in his next game, talked us about that, we gave him a little bit of reset. Goalie caoch Kelly Guard did a great job helping reset him, getting him traffic practice, amulating some things, went back to check it…” Chaulk said.
Ingram made several key saves in the last game against the San Diego Gulls, despite the team losing in overtime. He made 34 saves on 38 shots in that game and is set to start against the Calgary Wranglers on Tuesday.
Colin Chaul emphasized that players who miss training camp often need time to get back into rhythm. “Players who miss training camp often take time to get back in rhythm. It may take until Christmas for them to find their form, but that’s part of the American League experience.”
Chaulk believes it will take time for Ingram to be game-ready, potentially delaying the Oilers’ plans to bring him up to the NHL to compete with Skinner.
Oilers general manager Stan Bowman previously noted, “The way we look at it is this is a great depth option for us. I think whether it’s injuries or whether it’s the play of our team, it’s nice to know that we have someone in our organization that’s had some recent success in the NHL.”
This season, Ingram has a 4.02 GAA and a .860 save percentage with the Condors. It remains to be seen if the Oilers will bring him up to the NHL.
