Connor Ingram

Early Life and Junior Career

Connor Ingram was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, but was raised in the nearby town of Imperial, where his older brother Bryce pursued college baseball. His path to professional hockey was not conventional, as he began playing goal only at age 12 and was cut from his Bantam AA team two years later at age 14. This early setback did not deter his development, and he eventually earned a spot with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the 2014-15 season. As a rookie, he appeared in 52 games, posting a record of 21 wins, 21 losses, and 5 overtime losses with a .904 save percentage and a 2.96 goals-against average. His role expanded significantly the following 2015-16 season, where he played 61 games, recorded four shutouts, and helped lead the Blazers to a playoff appearance with a 34-15-9 record and a .922 save percentage. His performance that season caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the third round, 88th overall, of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Ingram returned to Kamloops for the 2016-17 season, further solidifying his status as a top junior goaltender with a 26-14-2 record, a .927 save percentage, and a 2.44 goals-against average in 45 games, though the Blazers were again eliminated in the first playoff round by the Kelowna Rockets.

Professional Career in the Minor Leagues

Ingram signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 4, 2017, and immediately joined their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, on an amateur tryout. He made his professional debut with the Crunch on October 7, 2017, in an overtime loss to the Rochester Americans. He recorded his first professional win three weeks later on October 21, 2017, stopping 23 of 24 shots against the Springfield Thunderbirds, and earned his first professional shutout on December 9, 2017, with an 18-save performance against the Belleville Senators. His rookie professional campaign was strong, as he posted a 20-11-2 record with four shutouts, a .914 save percentage, and a 2.33 goals-against average, helping Syracuse reach the 2018 Calder Cup playoffs where he appeared in four games. The following 2018-19 season saw Ingram split time between the Crunch and the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears. With Syracuse, he was named an AHL All-Star, recording a 14-7-0 record with six shutouts and a .922 save percentage in 21 appearances. His stint in Orlando was also successful, where he posted an 8-2-0 record in the regular season and a standout playoff performance with a .935 save percentage and a 1.94 goals-against average in 10 games, though the Solar Bears were eliminated in the second round. This period in the minors was crucial for refining his skills and preparing him for the NHL level.

NHL Career with Nashville and Arizona

Ingram's NHL rights were traded to the Nashville Predators on June 14, 2019, in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with Nashville and recorded his first NHL win on October 24, 2021, making 33 saves in a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild, which came nearly nine months after he entered the league's Player Assistance Program. His tenure with the Predators included a memorable playoff performance in 2022, where he started Game 2 against the Colorado Avalanche and stopped 49 of 51 shots in a narrow loss to the eventual Stanley Cup champions. On October 10, 2022, the Arizona Coyotes claimed Ingram off waivers, providing him with his first opportunity as a full-time NHL goaltender. His time in Arizona was highlighted by several key performances and milestones.

• On February 15, 2023, he recorded his first NHL shutout, a 1-0 shootout win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, making 47 saves to set the NHL record for saves by a rookie in a first career shutout.
• He established career highs in the 2022-23 season with 27 appearances and 12 wins for the Coyotes.
• On June 25, 2023, following his first full NHL season, he signed a three-year, $5.85 million contract extension with Arizona.
• In the 2023-24 season, he played a career-high 50 games, posting a 23-21-3 record with a .907 save percentage.
• He tied for the NHL lead in shutouts during the 2023-24 season with six.
• He won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2024 for his perseverance and dedication to hockey in light of his mental health struggles.

When the Coyotes franchise was suspended and its assets transferred to the new Utah Hockey Club in 2024, Ingram became a foundational player for the expansion team, serving as their primary goaltender for part of the 2024-25 season and appearing in 22 games.

Final Seasons with Utah and Edmonton

Ingram began the 2024-25 season as the starting goaltender for the Utah Hockey Club, but his campaign was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury on November 19, 2024. He returned to action on January 10, 2025, in a home game against the New York Islanders. After parting ways with Utah (by then renamed the Mammoth) in September 2025, Ingram was placed on waivers and subsequently traded to the Edmonton Oilers on October 1, 2025, in exchange for future considerations. He began the 2025-26 season in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors but was recalled on December 19, 2025, when Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry was placed on injured reserve. Ingram seized the opportunity, winning his first start on December 21, 2025, by making 28 saves in a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. He remained with the team as a backup following Jarry's return from injury, and together they regularly exchanged starts before coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed on March 15, 2026, that Ingram would be the Oilers' starting goaltender for the remainder of the season. He started 32 games for the Oilers, leading the team in wins (16) and save percentage (.899), and started five of their six playoff games, securing his first playoff victory in four years with a 25-save performance in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks. Despite this successful final campaign, Ingram announced his retirement from professional hockey on September 11, 2026, at age 29.

Statistics and Career Highlights

Over five NHL seasons, Connor Ingram appeared in 134 regular-season games, compiling a record reflective of his journey as a starting and backup goaltender across four franchises. His most productive statistical season came in 2023-24 with the Arizona Coyotes, where he played 50 games and posted a .907 save percentage. His six shutouts that season tied for the league lead, demonstrating his capability as a top-tier netminder. The following table outlines his NHL regular-season statistics by team.

Beyond the numbers, Ingram's career was defined by several key milestones and honours that highlight his resilience and skill. His achievements in professional hockey include a series of notable firsts and recognitions.

• First professional win: October 21, 2017, with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL).
• First professional shutout: December 9, 2017, with the Syracuse Crunch against Belleville.
• AHL All-Star selection for the 2018-19 season.
• First NHL win: October 24, 2021, with the Nashville Predators against Minnesota.
• First NHL shutout: February 15, 2023, with the Arizona Coyotes against Tampa Bay.
• Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner in 2024.
• NHL co-leader in shutouts for the 2023-24 season (6).
• First playoff win as an Oiler: Game 1, 2026 First Round against Anaheim.

He also holds the unique distinction of being the last active member of the Arizona Coyotes franchise to win a major NHL award, and he was the first starting goaltender for the expansion Utah Hockey Club.

Personal Life and Mental Health Advocacy

Raised in Imperial, Saskatchewan, Ingram's personal journey has been deeply connected with his public struggles and advocacy concerning mental health. In 2021, he revealed he had been living with undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression, which led to alcoholism and an intense fear of contamination that even affected his interactions with fans, as he refused to give high fives. He entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program twice during his career to address these challenges. Following his treatment, Ingram became a vocal advocate for mental wellness, frequently speaking about the importance of seeking help. He compared maintaining mental health to managing a physical injury, stating he would continue therapy for the rest of his life. This openness about his struggles was a significant factor in his being awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2024, which recognizes perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. His advocacy extended to specific public statements and actions that resonated within the hockey world.

1. In 2024, he told NHL.com that mental health is like a nagging injury that gets worse if not treated, and that he planned to attend therapy weekly for life.
2. His retirement announcement on Instagram on September 11, 2026, included the message: Don't be sad it's over, be happy it happened. Thanks hockey, I owe ya.
3. He stated his post-retirement goal was to go back to school for psychology to use what he learned to help others.
4. His story was cited by analysts and writers, such as Murat Ates of The Athletic, as a positive and impactful example.
5. He acknowledged the challenge of his history with the Player Assistance Program potentially affecting contract negotiations, as noted by reporter Jim Matheson in August 2026.

His post-retirement plan to study psychology is a direct extension of this advocacy, aiming to translate his personal experiences into support for others.

Career Legacy and Impact

Connor Ingram's hockey legacy is defined by both his on-ice accomplishments and his off-ice influence. As a player, he carved out a respectable NHL career as a late-round draft pick who overcame early developmental hurdles to become a starting goaltender. His record-setting rookie shutout, his league-leading shutout total in 2024, and his role as a starting goalie in the playoffs for Edmonton are testaments to his skill and competitiveness. His career timeline intersected with a unique moment in NHL history, as he was a member of the final Arizona Coyotes roster and then became the first starting goaltender for the expansion Utah Hockey Club. His impact as a mental health advocate within professional sports is particularly significant. By openly discussing his battles with OCD, depression, and addiction, Ingram helped destigmatize these issues in the high-pressure world of hockey. His receipt of the Masterton Trophy solidified his status as a figure of resilience. Analysts like Steve Valiquette of Clear Sight Analytics praised his on-ice talent, noting that before his second stay in the Player Assistance Program, Ingram had been considered one of the top ten goalies in the league during his time with Arizona. His retirement statement, emphasizing gratitude and a forward-looking purpose to study psychology, encapsulated the thoughtful perspective he brought to his career and his future endeavours beyond the rink.

Questions about Connor Ingram

Why did Connor Ingram retire from the NHL?

Connor Ingram announced his retirement on September 11, 2026, at the age of 29. Reports indicated he looked for a new NHL contract all summer but could not find one, despite a decent season as the Edmonton Oilers' starting goalie. In his retirement statement, he revealed his goal to return to school to study psychology to use his experiences to help others. This suggests a purposeful transition to a new chapter following his hockey career.

What mental health issues did Connor Ingram face?

Ingram publicly disclosed in 2021 that he had been living with undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. His OCD manifested in a severe fear of contamination, which affected his behaviour, such as refusing to give high-fives to fans. These struggles led to issues with alcoholism. He entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program twice during his career to receive treatment and support for these psychological challenges, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness in the process.

How did Connor Ingram perform in his final NHL season?

In his final NHL season (2025-26) with the Edmonton Oilers, Ingram emerged as the team's starting goaltender. He played 32 regular-season games, leading the Oilers in wins (16) and save percentage (.899). Coach Kris Knoblauch named him the starter for the stretch run of the season. Ingram also started five of the Oilers' six playoff games, earning his first playoff victory in four years with a 25-save performance in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks.

What teams did Connor Ingram play for in the NHL?

Connor Ingram played for four NHL franchises during his career. He made his debut with the Nashville Predators, who acquired his rights from Tampa Bay. He was then claimed off waivers by the Arizona Coyotes, where he had his most successful individual season. When the Coyotes' franchise was suspended, he became a member of the expansion Utah Hockey Club for the 2024-25 season. He finished his career with the Edmonton Oilers, serving as their primary goaltender for much of the 2025-26 season before retiring.

What NHL record does Connor Ingram hold?

Connor Ingram holds the NHL record for the most saves by a rookie goaltender in their first career shutout. He set this record on February 15, 2023, while playing for the Arizona Coyotes in a 1-0 shootout win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that game, he made 47 saves to secure the shutout. This performance established a new benchmark for rookie goaltenders in their debut shutout. The record is a significant individual achievement from his first full NHL season. It highlighted his ability to perform under pressure early in his major league career.

Which NHL award did Connor Ingram win and why?

Connor Ingram won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2024. This award is presented by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. He received it in recognition of his public journey with mental health struggles, including undiagnosed obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Ingram had entered the NHL's player assistance program and has spoken openly about his challenges. His successful return to play and advocacy for mental health awareness were key factors in winning the award. This honour made him the last member of the Arizona Coyotes franchise to win a major NHL award.

Sources and further reading

• Connor Ingram (Wikipedia)
• 'Don't be sad it's over': Edmonton Oilers starting goalie from ... (edmontonjournal.com)
• Connor Ingram announces retirement from hockey (deseret.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-29.