How Connor Ingram's Acquisition Impacts the Oilers' Goaltending Picture, per Kris Knoblauch and Stan Bowman

The Edmonton Oilers added some depth to their goaltending a week before the start of the regular season, picking up Connor Ingram.

GM Stan Bowman had spoken confidently of a tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, with Matt Tomkins and a few prospects filling out the system.

Acquiring Ingram, who has NHL starter experience, makes one wonder just what the actual plan of the Oilers may be. Although there was a chance Ingram would be able to step in right away as Edmonton's backup, that won't happen.

GM Stan Bowman and head coach Kris Knoblauch both spoke of the acquisition and provided some clarity.

The 28-year-old had a difficult time with Utah last year, playing only 22 games before he left the team to enter the NHL's player assistance program.

He also had to deal with personal demons, including the loss of his mother, which made it one of the more challenging seasons of his career.

Now cleared and ready to go, Ingram still requires time to get up to speed. Lacking a training camp, he's not anticipated to be game-ready for opening night.

Rather, he'll begin the year in the AHL with Bakersfield, where he'll have to demonstrate his consistency prior to receiving another NHL opportunity.

The Oilers view this as a low-risk transaction. Utah retains a part of Ingram's $1.95 million cap hit, which provides Edmonton with the flexibility to bury his contract completely in the minors if they choose to do so.

Nothing has been altered at the NHL level presently, but now the door is ajar. Ingram's return to the NHL will be no guarantee. He will have to demonstrate that he can perform at a consistent level again.

If he can do that, then the Oilers might just have themselves some valuable depth in net. Patience is the name of the game for now, but Ingram's Edmonton story is only just beginning.