Edmonton Oilers make stunning roster move with top goalie prospect
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Photo credit: Bakersfield Condors
Oilers goalie prospect Connor Ungar has been turning heads with his stellar play this season, but is now getting a major demotion to the ECHL.
The undrafted 24-year old Ungar has rocketed up the Oilers prospect ranks with unbelievable success in the last two years. Making his professional debut in the AHL this season, he posted a stellar .926 save percentage in 12 games.
Edmonton Oilers demote top goalie prospect to ECHL to make room for Pickard
The Oilers AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors announced today that Ungar will be sent down to the ECHL.
This isn’t a roster move based on merit, evidenced by Ungar’s results with the Condors. They’re making this roster move to make room for Calvin Pickard, who has officially joined the AHL team after clearing waivers.
Needless to say, it’s shocking to see the Oilers demote a top prospect having success to make room for two goaltenders over the age of 30. The Condors other starter at the moment is 31-year old AHL journeyman Matt Tomkins. Seeing the Oilers prioritize playing time for two veterans over a rising prospect is a disappointing choice, especially at the minor league level.
Fans and analysts were more expecting to see him called up to the NHL rather than bumped down to the ECHL and are totally shocked by this roster move.
Calvin Pickard is obviously still the next man up if an Oilers goaltender sustains an injury, but demoting Ungar is simply the wrong choice. At this point, it should be Tomkins who goes down to the ECHL – he’s a long shot to ever appear for the Oilers.
Hopefully Ungar is back with the AHL in the near future, and can continue developing his play with the Condors.
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Edmonton Oilers make stunning roster move with top goalie prospect
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