The Edmonton Oilers are facing a pleasant yet complex problem in their goaltending ranks, one that could impact the development of a red-hot prospect. With NHL veterans returning from injury, a roster shuffle is imminent, potentially creating a logjam that reaches down to their American Hockey League affiliate in Bakersfield.
Ungar's Dominant Run in the AHL
At the centre of this situation is 22-year-old goaltending prospect Connor Ungar. Since his recall from the ECHL, Ungar has been nothing short of spectacular for the Bakersfield Condors. His most recent performance was a 25-save shutout in a 3-0 victory over Ontario.
According to Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now, Ungar's record since the recall is an impressive 5-0 with a 1.38 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage. Cult of Hockey contributor Ira Cooper noted that while the shutout didn't require a flurry of desperate saves, Ungar handled all traffic and decent scoring chances with composure, looking solid throughout the game.
The Impending NHL Roster Crunch
Simultaneously, the parent club in Edmonton is preparing for the return of key players from injury. NHL veteran goaltender Tristan Jarry is rumoured to be ready to play this week. Furthermore, defenceman Jake Walman is also expected back from injury and is officially on the team's current road trip.
This creates an immediate roster issue for the Oilers. As Cooper pointed out, the team will need to move one player out to activate both Jarry and Walman, even with forward Adam Henrique on long-term injured reserve. The question becomes: who will be the odd man out?
Potential Roster Moves and Their Consequences
The most logical move appears to be sending down goalie Joel Ingram, as he does not require waivers to return to the AHL. The alternative would be to place Calvin Pickard on waivers, a riskier proposition given his recent improved play. In his last five games, Pickard has posted a .911 save percentage, showing he has sorted out earlier struggles.
The Oilers have already felt the sting of the waiver wire this season, losing defenceman Troy Stecher, who has since excelled with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Losing Pickard for nothing would be a tough blow.
If the Oilers opt to keep three goalies in Edmonton, another consequence emerges. It would likely mean sending forward Ike Howard back to Bakersfield, just as he is showing promising signs on the Oilers' third line, creating more offensive chances than in his earlier stint with the club.
The Trickle-Down Effect in Bakersfield
Any decision made at the NHL level will have a direct impact in the AHL. If Ingram is sent down, or if Pickard clears waivers and is assigned, the Bakersfield Condors will suddenly have a three-goalie rotation. This group would include veteran Matt Tomkins, either Ingram or Pickard, and the surging Connor Ungar.
This creates a development dilemma. All three goalies need playing time to stay sharp, and the Oilers' management needs continued game action to properly evaluate them ahead of future decisions, including the 2026 NHL trade deadline. Stalling Ungar's momentum, given his current dominant form, could hinder the progression of one of the organization's most promising netminding prospects.
The Oilers' brass now faces a delicate balancing act: managing the immediate needs of their NHL roster while safeguarding the development path of a prospect who is forcing the issue with exceptional performance.
