Are the Hockey Gods Telling Oilers to Circle Back to a Serviceable Goalie?

The Edmonton Oilers will be without Frederik Andersen when the 2026-27 NHL regular season begins. It’s not ideal news given that the Oilers are relying on Andersen to bring experience and championship pedigree to at least 15-20 games this season. It’s unclear if the Oilers knew that the veteran would miss time when they signed him. If they didn’t, this could be the hockey Gods telling GM Stan Bowman to make a play for a goaltender who is still on the market, and surprisingly so.

There are two options that seem ideal for Edmonton, both of whom have experience playing for the Oilers: Connor Ingram and Cam Talbot.

Back in late June, Mark Spector reported, “Sounds like G Connor Ingram is bullish on re-signing with EDM, though negotiations are ongoing. Babcock doesn’t affect his decision. Loved his time there – not swayed by new coach. Bowman with goalie irons in a few fires. A lot of options between the pipes in EDM right now.”

For whatever reason, Ingram still hasn’t signed with an NHL roster. There was talk that maybe Ottawa or Pittsburgh might be interested. The Winnipeg Jets may need someone if they trade Connor Hellebuyck. The Oilers, now without Andersen, could do worse. Ingram performed fairly well for the team in 2025-26 and won the starting job as the playoffs approached. Edmonton chose not to re-sign him, but their situation has potentially changed.

The other option is Cam Talbot. He’s been a journeyman goalie. He’s played for the Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, and Los Angeles Kings before spending a couple of seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. He struggled in 2025-26, which could explain why he’s still unsigned (34 GP, 12 W, 9 L, .883 SV%, 3.19 GAA, -9.7 GSAA). Some of that should be attributed to the Red Wings’ struggles defensively.

Again, the Winnipeg Jets could be a factor here if Hellebuyck is moved.

Are the Oilers Too Loaded with Goaltenders Already?

The issue in Edmonton seems to be just how many goalies they have in their system. Adding another one, even on a two-way contract, crowds their net even more. There’s a chance that bringing in someone like Talbot or Ingram would mean either waiving them, cutting them, or demoting them and losing another netminder if one of these two wound up playing games in the AHL.

There’s also a chance that both will wait for other opportunities outside of signing up for a situation where they likely won’t get much NHL time when the Oilers’ three goalies are healthy.

Maybe the Oilers test their luck with someone like Matt Tomkins, Nathaniel Day, Connor Ungar or one of their other prospects goalies.

The Oilers won’t rush Andersen back, which isn’t a terrible idea. But, are Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry ready to take the crease by the horns and give the Oilers sufficient goaltending without the need for a more experienced outside option?

Next: NHL Trade Talk: The Podcast – Episode 33: Hellebuyck, Makar, and More