Oilers Let Ingram Hit Free Agency, Edmonton Has Eyes Elsewhere

Edmonton’s crease situation just took a significant turn just minutes ahead of free agency opening up on Wednesday. Sportsnet’s Mark Spector reports that goaltender Connor Ingram is heading to free agency, noting that talks with the Oilers didn’t pan out — even though Ingram reportedly would have welcomed staying in Edmonton.

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It’s a notable reversal, given that rumors just days earlier suggested Ingram was “bullish” on re-signing, with negotiations described as ongoing. That momentum appears to have stalled. According to Spector’s latest, the move signals Edmonton has already lined up a different plan in net.

Ingram’s market value climbed after a strong bounce-back campaign — a 16-10-3 record, 2.60 goals-against average and .899 save percentage across 32 appearances following a mid-season promotion from the AHL, capping a difficult personal stretch that included time away from the game. His postseason numbers slipped as the Oilers fell in five games, but he’s still seen as a reliable 1B or a high-end backup option. Multiple teams are believed to be monitoring his free agency.

As for who replaces him, names like Elvis Merzlikins, Devon Levi, Michael DiPietro and pending UFA Sergei Bobrovsky have all been connected to Edmonton. Spector adds one more wrinkle: don’t rule out Kasperi Kapanen just yet, with conversations between the two sides still active.

It doesn’t sound like Bobrovsky is on Edmonton’s radar, but that could change given that the Oilers don’t seem to have a legitimate sure thing in goal.

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