Edmonton Oilers’ Goaltending Prospects: Connor Ungar’s Emergence
The Edmonton Oilers have long struggled with finding reliable goaltending, a challenge that has persisted for several seasons. In a bid to address this issue, they made the decision to trade away their own talent, Stuart Skinner, while acquiring Tristan Jarry to bolster their goaltending lineup. Following Jarry’s injury, the team called up Connor Ingram from the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, further complicating their already crowded goalie situation.
With Jarry now back on the ice, the Oilers find themselves with three goalies: Jarry, Ingram, and Calvin Pickard. The situation in the minor leagues is becoming increasingly congested, which may prompt the organization to retain all three goaltenders until after the Olympic break. If either Pickard or Ingram were to clear waivers, it could lead to an overcrowded roster in Bakersfield, potentially limiting opportunities for younger prospects like Connor Ungar, who has been making waves in the organization.
The Remarkable Rise of Connor Ungar
Connor Ungar, now 24, has taken a rather unconventional path to reach this point in his career. He kicked off his junior hockey journey with the Okotoks Oilers in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), where he only made two appearances. After a season with the Whitecourt Wolverines in the AJHL, Ungar faced disappointment when he went undrafted in the Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft. However, he later signed on as a free agent with the Brandon Wheat Kings, embarking on a five-year stint in the WHL that saw him play for three different teams: the Wheat Kings, Red Deer Rebels, and Moose Jaw Warriors.
After wrapping up his junior career without being drafted into the NHL, Ungar made the choice to join Brock University in U Sports, the same institution attended by Logan Thompson, the current goaltender for the Washington Capitals. During his time at Brock, he played 26 games and boasted an impressive record of 20 wins and 6 losses, accompanied by a solid goals-against average (GAA) of 2.15 and a save percentage (SV%) of .932. This stellar performance led to him signing his first professional contract with the Oilers in 2024.
Ungar then spent the 2024-25 season playing for the Fort Wayne Comets in the ECHL, where he recorded a GAA of 2.74 and a .903 SV% over 35 games. Unfortunately, he struggled to secure consistent playing time this season, appearing in games for three different ECHL teams: the Comets, Greensboro Gargoyles, and Orlando Solar Bears. Despite not exceeding five games with any single team—totaling just 11 appearances—his performance was remarkable across the board, with a GAA below 1.70 and a save percentage above .943. This showcases his adaptability and skill in various competitive environments. His recent promotion to the AHL has only further highlighted his potential.
Is Connor Ungar the Future Goalie for the Oilers?
Could Connor Ungar be the answer to the Oilers’ long-standing goaltending woes? While his professional statistics come from a limited number of games, his exceptional performance cannot be overlooked. At every level he’s played, Ungar has demonstrated impressive consistency, with his save percentage never dipping below .900 since a brief stint with the Wheat Kings during the 2019-20 season, where he recorded an .892. This undrafted goaltender has showcased steadfast reliability throughout his career, with stats that are nearly elite.
If he can maintain this level of success for the remainder of the AHL season, he should certainly be considered for a closer evaluation during next season's training camp. The Oilers have been yearning for stability in their goaltending, and Ungar appears to provide just that. Though he has only played 16 games across four teams this season, he has proven capable of thriving with varying starting schedules, suggesting he could excel in a backup role behind Jarry as soon as next season.
It is crucial for organizations to add goaltending prospects annually, whether through the draft or free agency. The development timelines for goaltenders can vary widely, and striking gold can often be a matter of timing and opportunity.
Has the Oilers' front office unearthed a hidden gem in Connor Ungar, or is it too premature to make such claims? We invite you to share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below!
