The Los Angeles Kings are gearing up for the 2025-26 NHL season with aspirations of returning to championship contention. While their forward core is impressive and they boast an elite starting goaltender in Darcy Kuemper, the glaring concern lies in their goaltending depth. With playoff ambitions on the horizon, the Kings might want to consider targeting Connor Ingram, a goaltender from the Utah Mammoth who is poised to become available.
### The Kings’ Current Goaltending Landscape
As it stands, the Kings have solidified their starting position with Darcy Kuemper. His credentials and performance in goal provide confidence to the team as they approach the season. However, the backup situation is much less certain. Currently, Anton Forsberg is designated as the backup. While Forsberg has a history of quality starts, his performance metrics leaves some room for improvement, especially given the high stakes the Kings face.
In the past season, Forsberg played 30 games with a respectable 2.72 goals-against average (GAA) and .901 save percentage (SV%). He managed to secure 11 wins and recorded three shutouts. While these numbers are commendable, they do not fully assure fans that Forsberg is the reliable option the Kings need should they face injuries or demanding schedules.
### The Opportunity: Connor Ingram
Recent reports indicate that Connor Ingram is likely on his way to waivers as the Utah Mammoth plan to establish a goaltending tandem featuring Vitek Vanecek and Karel Vejmelka next season. General Manager Bill Armstrong confirmed that Ingram has a chance to play for another NHL team or be assigned to an AHL team. Ingram’s experience and potential make him an intriguing option for the Kings.
Ingram has faced challenges over the past season, briefly entering the NHL/NHLPA assistance program, but he has since been cleared to resume playing. Last season, he appeared in 22 games, recording a 3.27 GAA and an .882 SV%, winning nine of those games. Although these statistics may not appear overly impressive at first glance, his career stats indicate a respectable 3.14 GAA and a .902 SV% across 102 games, attesting to his ability to perform competitively at the NHL level.
### Financial Considerations
One of the most significant advantages of bringing Ingram into the fold for the Kings is his cap hit. At $1.95 million, he offers a more favorable contract than Forsberg’s $2.25 million cap hit. While the difference may seem minimal in the grand scheme of things, every dollar counts for playoff contenders who need to manage their salary cap strategically. Saving money while potentially acquiring a player who could elevate the team’s performance is a compelling argument.
### A Shift in Competition
Adding Ingram to the roster could foment healthy competition between him and Forsberg. Internal competition often brings out the best in players, pushing them to improve and solidify their positions. If the Kings ultimately lean towards Forsberg and risk losing Ingram on waivers, they may miss out on an opportunity to strengthen their depth in the goaltending sector.
### The Risk-Reward Scenario
The decision to claim Ingram boils down to risk versus reward. Forsberg has proven to be a capable option, but his stats suggest he may not be the most reliable backup in critical situations. Conversely, Ingram carries uncertainties, but his potential might make him the better choice in a playoff race. If the Kings are serious about making a deep playoff run, taking the risk to improve their goaltending depth could be worth it.
### Conclusion
The Los Angeles Kings are at a pivotal moment as they prepare for the upcoming season. While Darcy Kuemper represents a strong starting option, enhancing the backup goaltending situation is paramount. Connor Ingram offers an affordable alternative that not only brings potential upside but also presents an intriguing challenge for Forsberg. As the season inches closer, it’s crucial for the Kings to weigh their options carefully and pursue strategies that reinforce their aspirations for a playoff run. Ingram may just be the answer to deepen their goaltending corps as they move forward in pursuit of the championship.
By monitoring developments regarding Ingram’s status, the Kings can make informed decisions that align with their objectives for the season. The potential addition of a capable goaltender like Ingram could provide the depth needed to alleviate pressure on Kuemper and offer a safety net during the grueling stretches of the season. With playoff hopes on the horizon, the Kings have an opportunity to bolster their chances with strategic moves that keep them competitive in the Pacific Division.
Source link
