The Edmonton Oilers announced Monday that they have reassigned goaltender Connor Ungar to the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL.
In an announcementwrites the team: “The Orlando Solar Bears, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning, today announced that the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL have reassigned goaltender Connor Ungar from the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL) to the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL.”
Ungar, 24, played in 12 games this season with the Orlando Solar Bears, Fort Wayne Komets and Greensboro Gargoyles, posting a 5-1-4 record with a 1.54 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage.
Why are the Oilers making this move with Ungar?
The Oilers’ decision to send Ungar back to Orlando is rooted in roster balance, especially with three goalies and Calvin Pickard now in the AHL and with the Bakersfield Condors.
The Oilers entered the Olympic break with Tristan Jarry (acquired in a December 2025 trade from Pittsburgh, now the clear starter with a .905 SV% in 21 games), Connor Ingram (solid tandem partner with .897 SV% in 13 games) and Pickard (who had played 16 NHL games but struggled with an .870 SV%).
Coming out of the Olympic break, Edmonton streamlined its NHL fold by placing Pickard on waivers, leaving Jarry and Ingram as the NHL tandem. Pickard was placed on waivers and assigned, joining AHL regular Matt Tomkins, creating a three-goalie logjam that limited Ungar’s opportunities.
As a rookie on waivers in his first pro season, Ungar needs consistent starts, and he wouldn’t get that in the AHL.
By sending him back to Orlando, the Oilers ensure he can play heavy minutes, handle high shot volumes and continue to refine his game. The Oilers are aware that they still have something special with this player, but they are also aware that there is no rush to open a spot for him.
As the March 6 trade deadline approaches, it’s unclear what the goalie situation in Edmonton will look like. It is possible that a spot will become available. Maybe not. Time will tell.
What is clear is that Jarry and Ingram are the go-to guys at the NHL level, with Tomkins and Pickard the AHL tandem.
Ungar isn’t trading bait here; he’s an important part of the future pipeline, especially with Jarry (UFA after 2027-2028) and Ingram (UFA after this season) not committed long-term.
Next: Former GM suggests Oilers pursue multiplayer trade with Blackhawks
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