The Edmonton Oilers recently changed their goaltending lineup to fix a season of poor results. When the team first traded for Connor Ingram from Utah in October 2025, many people saw it as a minor move to help the depth of the team. Some analysts even called it a "band-aid solution" meant only to please fans. However, after the departure of Stuart Skinner and an injury to newly acquired Tristan Jarry, Ingram was called up from the minor leagues. His recent performance, including back-to-back shutouts, has changed the conversation. What started as a move for a backup player has now created a situation where Ingram is competing for a permanent starting job in the NHL.
Timeline of Goaltending Changes
The following events show how the Oilers' goalie situation changed over four months:
October 1-2, 2025: The Oilers trade for Connor Ingram from Utah. He does not join the main team for training camp and starts the season in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors.
October 7, 2025: Local reports show skepticism. Experts suggest Ingram may not be a real solution for the team's needs.
December 12, 2025: Stuart Skinner is no longer with the team. The Oilers trade for Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins to be the new starter.
December 18-20, 2025: Tristan Jarry suffers an injury against the Boston Bruins and goes on Injured Reserve. The Oilers call up Ingram from the AHL to help.
January 23, 2026: Reports show that Ingram and Jarry have stabilized the net. They allowed only three goals over four games.
Evidence of Performance and Roster Shifts
The data suggests a clear improvement in the team's defensive results since Ingram joined the active roster.
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| Event/Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent Record | Ingram has a 3-1-1 record in his last five games. |
| Defensive Output | Ingram and Jarry shared back-to-back shutouts in late January. |
| Goalie Goals Against | Ingram allowed only six goals in a five-game span. |
| Roster Status | Calvin Pickard has been described as the "odd man out" due to subpar numbers. |
"He’s given up just six goals in his last five games… with his only loss a 1-0 decision." — CBC News Report
The Role of Initial Expectations
When Ingram arrived, public opinion was divided. Some observers felt the trade was a low-risk move to add depth while others felt it ignored the team's bigger problems.
Some reports claimed Ingram struggled "both on and off the ice" in the previous season.
Scout Peters (via The Athletic) argued that Ingram's lowest potential was as a "1B" goalie, meaning he could share half the games in a season.
This raises the question: Was the initial negative reaction based on Ingram's past struggles or a misunderstanding of his current skill level?
The Impact of the Jarry Injury
The injury to Tristan Jarry in December forced the Oilers to change their plans.
Before the injury, the team hoped Jarry would be the clear number-one goalie.
When Ingram was called up from Bakersfield, he was an "unknown commodity" for the Edmonton coaching staff.
Because Calvin Pickard did not perform well enough to keep the job, Ingram received more playing time than originally planned.
Mindset and Mental Health History
Ingram’s journey includes a period where he stepped away from the game.
In March 2025, Ingram entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
He missed a significant portion of the previous season, playing only 22 games.
Current reports describe him as "staying grounded" and focusing only on one day at a time rather than looking at future games in the schedule.
Expert Analysis
Professional observers note that the Oilers' coaching staff is now in a position where they do not have to rush players back from injury.
Kris Knoblauch, Oilers Coach:According to CBC, Knoblauch is not rushing to make a final decision on who will be the permanent starter. He is waiting to ensure Tristan Jarry is fully recovered because the team is winning with the current rotation.
Peters (Scout/Analyst):Writing for The Athletic, Peters noted that when Ingram is at his best, his movements look "effortless." This suggests that while Ingram had a difficult year in the AHL, his physical talent remains at an NHL level.
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The core signal is that Edmonton has found temporary stability by using a two-goalie system, moving away from the struggles seen earlier in the season with Skinner and Pickard.
Findings and Current Status
The evidence shows that the Edmonton Oilers have moved from a period of "goaltending dilemma" to a period of "stability."
Ingram’s Status: He has moved from an AHL backup to a viable NHL starter or 1B option.
Team Defense: The team is giving up fewer goals per game than they were in October and November.
Internal Competition: Calvin Pickard appears to have lost his spot as the primary backup.
The next step for the team is to decide how to manage the roster once Tristan Jarry is 100% healthy. It remains unclear if the team will keep three goalies or if Ingram has done enough to stay in the NHL permanently.
Sources and Context
Sportsnet: Detailed look at Ingram’s mental approach and daily routine.
CBC News: Recent report on the team's improved stats and the shared shutouts.
USA Today: Report on Tristan Jarry's injury and the official roster move for Ingram.
The Athletic: Scouting analysis of Ingram’s potential and his "effortless" style.
Oilers Daily (Oct 7): Early season criticism and fan concerns regarding the trade.
Oilers Daily (Dec 17): Confirmation of Stuart Skinner’s departure and the plan for Ingram's call-up.
Daily Hive: Background on Ingram missing training camp and his start in the minor leagues.
