The Edmonton Oilers are facing uncertainty regarding the future of their offensive leader Connor McDavid, while also dealing with a major challenge: solidifying the goaltending position to finally make a championship run. In that sense, a Utah Mammoth player could emerge on their radar.
Captain McDavid and his star partner Leon Draisaitl remain the foundation of one of the league’s most feared offenses. However, recent frustration hasn’t come from a lack of goals, but from defensive cracks and, most importantly, inconsistency in net, a factor that has weighed heavily in decisive series.
After a postseason where struggles in the crease played a key role, the team is evaluating young, promising options as long-term solutions. Edmonton cannot afford to enter the upcoming season without resolving its goaltending dilemma, which is why a Mammoth player could become a target.
The Mammoth player who could join the Oilers
The goaltender who has surfaced as a possible target for the Oilers is none other than Connor Ingram of the Utah Mammoth. According to reports, Edmonton is exploring the possibility of acquiring him as a reinforcement, as indicated by The Hockey News.
After taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) authorized Ingram’s return to the league. The 28-year-old netminder is set to rejoin the Mammoth, though roster space presents a challenge since Utah currently carries three goalies.
Tough competition in Utah
Ingram’s return to the Mammoth comes with Karel Vejmelka entering the first year of a five-year extension. At the same time, Vitek Vanecek signed a one-year deal this summer after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. This crowded goaltending situation could open the door for the Oilers to make a push for Ingram.