Connor Ingram Reportedly Set for Ottawa as Senators Add Depth in Goal
The Ottawa Senators appear poised to strengthen their goaltending depth, with reports indicating that Connor Ingram is expected to join the organization following a move from the Edmonton Oilers.
The news was first shared by Bob Stauffer during OilersNow and later highlighted by Oilers Daily.
At 29 years old, Ingram delivered a respectable regular-season performance for Edmonton, recording a .898 save percentage across 32 starts. Those numbers suggest a dependable netminder capable of handling backup duties and potentially taking on a larger role with a team still building toward contention.
However, his postseason results were less encouraging. During Edmonton’s first-round playoff exit against Anaheim, Ingram posted a .876 save percentage in five appearances. While he wasn’t solely responsible for the Oilers’ elimination, his performances did little to change the outcome.
Edmonton’s goaltending situation has remained unsettled in recent years. The club also relied heavily on Tristan Jarry, who finished the season with a .882 save percentage in 33 starts. Despite inconsistent production between the pipes, the Oilers still managed a 41-30-11 record and finished 14th overall in the league standings. The organization’s decision-makers appear determined to reshape the position heading into next season.
Ottawa’s Goalie Picture Gets More Crowded
The move raises questions about Ottawa’s plans in net. The Senators already have Linus Ullmark locked into a long-term deal carrying an $8.25 million cap hit, and he remains the clear favorite to handle starting responsibilities.
Ullmark started 49 games this season and posted a .890 save percentage, making him the unquestioned No. 1 option for the club.
That leaves many wondering what role Ottawa envisions for Ingram, whose contract carries a much more modest $1.95 million cap hit. Most likely, the Senators see him as a reliable backup, a player capable of pushing for playing time while providing insurance should injuries or inconsistency arise.
The decision comes after Ottawa’s disappointing first-round playoff sweep at the hands of Carolina. While the Senators fell short in the postseason, their goaltending was not viewed as the primary issue.
Bigger Questions Remain for the Senators
Ottawa enjoyed a strong regular season, finishing with a 44-27-11 record and collecting 99 points, good for ninth place in the NHL. The roster features significant offensive talent, including Tim Stützle, Drake Batherson, and Dylan Cozens, giving head coach Travis Green plenty of firepower.
Still, translating regular-season success into playoff victories remains the organization’s biggest challenge.
Adding Ingram may improve depth and competition within the goaltending group, but it is unlikely to dramatically alter Ottawa’s position among the Eastern Conference contenders. His contract is manageable from a salary-cap standpoint, though some may question whether the roster spot could have been used to address other areas of need.
For Ingram personally, the move presents an opportunity for a fresh start. Joining a team that nearly reached the league’s upper tier could provide more meaningful games and a chance to re-establish himself as a dependable NHL goaltender.
Whether the Senators truly needed another goalie, however, remains open for debate.
