The Bakersfield Condors have made a surprising move by sending Connor Ungar, one of the Edmonton Oilers' top goalie prospects, down to the ECHL. This decision comes as the Condors prepare for a four-game road trip with goalies Tomkins and Pickard.
Condors spokesperson Ryan Holt explained, “Ungar will get ample playing time.” However, this move has sparked some debate.
Kurt Leavins from the Cult of Hockey noted, “Not everyone will be thrilled with this. But remember: If one of the Oilers’ top goalies gets hurt, Pickard is next up. Period.”
Edmonton hockey reporter Preston Hodgkinson also weighed in, questioning the decision: “Here’s a 24-year-old prospect coming up strong with a 9-2-1 record and .926 SV%. Shouldn’t Ungar continue developing in the AHL?”
The move raises questions about the Condors' strategy. It makes sense to prepare Pickard for a potential call-up, but why not keep Ungar in the AHL over veteran Matt Tomkins? Ungar’s development could be crucial for the organization, especially if the Oilers face goalie challenges later in the season.
While it’s understandable to want Pickard to shake off the rust, the AHL’s schedule often requires two goalies, providing ample opportunity for Ungar to play.
Tristan Jarry’s struggles post-injury and Connor Ingram’s downward trend highlight the importance of having a ready backup. If Ungar had stayed and regained his form, he could have been a viable option for the Oilers in case of injury or performance issues. Now, that possibility is sidelined.
In the end, the decision to demote Ungar might be strategic, but it leaves fans and analysts questioning if it’s the best move for his development and the team’s future.