Word on the street is that the Vegas Golden Knights are looking at adding a backup goaltender. They're exploring their options, which include... a former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender.
Yes, him.
It's sparked a massive outrage among fans after his past controversies, with some fans even calling for a boycott.
While fans aren't too fond of the controversial goaltender potentially playing with Vegas, some have proposed another name: Connor Ingram. The Utah Mammoth netminder is in the final year of a three-year, $1.95 million AAV deal, making for a reasonable cap hit. He had a GAA of 3.27 and a save percentage of .882 last season (22 games), making him perfect behind Karel Vejmelka.
What Ingram has been known for in recent memory is when he entered the NHLPA Player Assistance Program on August 20. Still, that doesn't mean that McCrimmon should pass on this goaltender.
After all, Vegas has explored adding another veteran behind Adin Hill for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Some people are worried about Akira Schmid being in net despite having prior backup experience with the New Jersey Devils. If that's truly the case, why not go with a bona fide option like Ingram? Entering the NHLPA Player Assistance Program because your mother passed away is much less controversial than the alternative.
Why giving Connor Ingram a chance is better for the Vegas Golden Knights than the alternative
It's important to establish continuity in the NHL. You want to maintain a rhythm going into the next season, especially if you wish to stick around in the NHL. That's where Ingram has the advantage heading into next season, even if he missed time starting on March 9.
You also can't deny that he's resilient in net, doing whatever it takes to make a save. The Saskatoon native uses his physical talent to impose a rough style on his opponents, making key saves along the way. While his statistics might scream, "Ilya Samsonov," his style of play should be enough to warrant consideration.
On top of that, the Golden Knights don't need any outside noise heading into the 2025-26 season. They already have minor distractions involving potential deals for Pavel Dorofeyev and Jack Eichel. Ingram is a low-risk move that could potentially reward the Golden Knights, should they pursue veteran goaltending.
What could be a hindrance to the Golden Knights picking up Connor Ingram?
I know what you're going to ask:
"But what about the salary cap situation? Vegas doesn't have the cap space to do this!"
Sure, they might be $-7,638,571 in the hole heading into the 2025-26 season. That's before they add Alex Pietrangelo to LTIR for the long haul. However, Kelly McCrimmon doesn't shy away from a move or two. After all, that's how he's earned a sterling reputation in the NHL.
He doesn't even need to make a big move for cap space. He could trade a player who isn't destined to make the everyday roster to make room for Ingram. In the end, McCrimmon finds a way.
Rule No. 1 of being a good general manager is satisfying the fans. You want to put a winning product on the ice and avoid controversy. What better way to do that than by picking up Ingram? That'd be a win-win for the fans and the franchise.