Edmonton Oilers' Surprising Goalie Gamble Could Change Everything, per NHL Insider
The Oilers continue to have inconsistency in goal, and one gamble the team could look to take involves Connor Ingram, and it could change everything.
Connor Ingram is not after a highlight reel. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old goalie's return to the NHL, current route through AHL Bakersfield notwithstanding, is one of the more intriguing in all of hockey.
In his fight with crippling OCD that led to a stint in the NHL Player Assistance Program, Ingram is trying to get his groove back.
He's also become a long-shot hope in GM Stan Bowman's plan to shore up a dicey situation in goal with the Edmonton Oilers, according to NHL insider Mark Spector.
"Bowman traded for Ingram in hopes he can become the goalie he once was in Arizona. There, Ingram put together back-to-back seasons with a .907 save percentage, behind a pair of Coyote teams that each finished 27th in the NHL standings."
- Mark Spector
- Mark Spector
Stan Bowman truly believes Connor Ingram belongs in the NHL
Few players have come from Ingram's background and resurfaced as crucial components of a legitimate contender. Nevertheless, this is a player that Bowman is convinced belongs in the NHL.
A GM who's experienced a harsh learning curve in Chicago is determined to build a more supportive team in Edmonton.
Ingram also has a connection in his new market, that of head coach Kris Knoblauch, a product of his hometown, whom Ingram's family is familiar with.
"Mrs. Knoblauch, Holly, was our receptionist at my school my whole life," Ingram said. "Bob (Kris' dad), he ran the rink when I was really little, and then he refereed basically every minor hockey game I ever played."
Bowman's hope is that familiarity and understanding will prove key in getting Ingram back to his Arizona form, when he recorded back-to-back .907 save percentages on a struggling team.
This turnaround, though, will not come quickly. Ingram has surrendered 17 goals in four starts in Bakersfield and sports an .848 save percentage.
Improvement will come with time, and nothing will be automatically given to him in this organization or in its market.
If he earns that call-up, it will be a striking contrast to see a quiet, unassuming goalie with a humble demeanor thrust into arguably the most rabid hockey market in the world.
For a player who's struggled back from darkness, that's a stage that will represent perhaps his greatest challenge, and maybe his most profound redemption.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 5 | 201 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers' Surprising Goalie Gamble Could Change Everything, per NHL Insider Should the Oilers give Connor Ingram a look in net? | ||
| Yes | 150 | 74.6 % |
| No | 51 | 25.4 % |
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