Oilers GM speaks on future of team goalies after Connor Ingram trade
Oilers' GM and Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Stan Bowman spoke with the media Wednesday after acquiring goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth and spoke about the future of the team's goalie position.
Bowman on if they've had discussions with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard on new contracts:
«Yeah, we haven't talked to them about extensions. Not to say that we won't, but I think you're right. Sometimes that goes both ways, where you get a really motivated goalie and they want to prove that they're the guy for the future. So now, we've essentially got three guys in that boat in the last year of their contracts, and we'll have to sort out what we're going to do with our goaltending over the next 10 months.
«Yeah, we haven't talked to them about extensions. Not to say that we won't, but I think you're right. Sometimes that goes both ways, where you get a really motivated goalie and they want to prove that they're the guy for the future. So now, we've essentially got three guys in that boat in the last year of their contracts, and we'll have to sort out what we're going to do with our goaltending over the next 10 months.
Oilers' GM has set timeframe to re-assess team's goaltending dilemma
Acquiring goalie Connor Ingram was a clear and obvious attempt to shore-up a position that many believe require san upgrade. Whether Ingram fits that bill remains to be seem, though one thing is certain: Bowman has sent the message that 'he needs more from Skinner and Pickard'.
Anyone close to the team knows that Edmonton's league-leading offense has been often let down by inconsistent goaltending - adding Connor Ingram provides depth and competition as the team seeks to firm-up the crease.
Ingram has shown flashes of strong play throughout his career, including a very strong period of 18 months that coincided with the end of the 2023-24 season. The Oilers are hoping that a new opportunity and fresh start, with a stronger roster in front of him, will help him return to form.
As expected, as of this morning, the 28-year-old goalie has been assigned to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.
GM reveals plan to integrate Connor Ingram into Oilers' system
He [Ingram] hasn't been in Training Camp, so we need to get him going and up to speed. I just spoke to him a few minutes ago, and he's excited for a new opportunity and a fresh start, so the plan is for him to go to Bakersfield.
The way we look at it is this is a great depth option for us, and I think whether it's injuries or 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...So I think goalie is that one position where, when you need it, it's really difficult to find it. Because if a guy gets hurt, you're sort of at the whim of who's available, and oftentimes, there's nobody available. So we want to get him [Ingram] back going and when he's at his best.
- Stan Bowman
The way we look at it is this is a great depth option for us, and I think whether it's injuries or 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...So I think goalie is that one position where, when you need it, it's really difficult to find it. Because if a guy gets hurt, you're sort of at the whim of who's available, and oftentimes, there's nobody available. So we want to get him [Ingram] back going and when he's at his best.
- Stan Bowman
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 2 | 538 ANSWERS Oilers GM speaks on future of team goalies after Connor Ingram trade Can Connor Ingram be ready to play with Oilers, if needed, by trade deadline? | ||
| yes | 458 | 85.1 % |
| no | 80 | 14.9 % |
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