Analyst Discusses Value for Connor Ingram’s Next Contract With Oilers and It’s Already Causing Debate
The Edmonton Oilers are aiming for success in the playoffs, but behind the scenes, there’s a tricky issue going on: who should get paid next, and how much is too much money?
Hockey analyst Allan Mitchell has added fuel to the fire by saying that goalie Connor Ingram should be the top priority for a new contract, even before players like Kasperi Kapanen and Jack Roslovic. Why does he think this? It’s all about real value — not about fame, not about trends, and definitely not from making rash decisions.
Mitchell is very clear: the Oilers shouldn’t give new contracts to anyone until the season is over. But when that time comes, Ingram should be at the front of the line, and no new deals should go over Vasily Podkolzin’s current contract. This will definitely create mixed feelings among fans.
Podkolzin’s three-year deal, which costs about $2.95M against the cap, looks like one of the smartest moves Edmonton has made. With 12 goals, 23 points in 55 games, and a good plus-12 rating, his stats match what Kapanen and Roslovic contribute — dependable scoring without the high price. Paying a higher amount for similar results would be unwise, and Mitchell knows it.
Things get tricky when it comes to Ingram. Goalies can be very unpredictable, and Oilers fans have seen disappointing performances in the past. Giving Ingram a “team-friendly” deal now might turn out to be a great idea — or a total mistake — depending on how well he plays. However, Mitchell believes that getting good value early is crucial for teams that want to stay strong in an era with a flat salary cap.
Stan Bowman now has a tough choice to make: reward the players for their performance, instead of past errors or their popularity. The hard truth? Edmonton doesn’t need big contracts; it needs to be smart and disciplined.
And that’s a point that many fans might not appreciate… until the team starts winning games.
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