Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram. Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Oilers make a critical decision on Connor Ingram

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 1:10 PM ET

It sounds like the Edmonton Oilers have made a big decision when it comes to the status of goaltender Connor Ingram. The goaltender is in a small window to be sent down without risking waivers, but the Oilers are going to let that window expire.

Several reports suggested that the team isn’t in a hurry to demote Ingram based on the way he’s played, and that means the Oilers will carry three goaltenders until after the Olympic break.

Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 believes the Oilers have made up their minds on Ingram. With Tristan Jarry set for the start on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks, Calvin Pickard will back him up, and Ingram will stay home and rest. “He’s staying at the JW Marriott; he can relax, he can get a good night’s sleep,” said Gregor.

“They’re not sending him down,” argued Gregor. “It makes no sense to send Connor Ingram down, look at the way the guy played last night.”

"They're not sending Ingram down. It makes no sense to send Connor Ingram down, look at how he played last night". – @JasonGregor @OilersNation #LetsGoOilers

Presented by @LegacyHCYeg pic.twitter.com/EJouX3pX55
— Sports 1440 (@Sports1440) January 17, 2026

So now what for the Oilers goaltending?

Edmonton will try to find a way to successfully run with three goalies for the foreseeable future. They’ll split starts, stay rested, but also each play so they’re not too rested. Eventually, someone is going to be traded.

The early speculation is that someone is Calvin Pickard. If Edmonton were to place him on waivers, they would lose him. The Oilers don’t want to do that. First, because they feel they owe him the opportunity to go somewhere he wants. Second, because losing him now on waivers risks the team having only two goalies, which is an issue if injuries become a factor.

The Oilers would rather have guys and not need them than need and not have them.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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