Mammoth goalie situation heating up

The Utah Mammoth’s goalie situation has taken several interesting twists and turns this offseason.

The latest chapter in the saga involves former starter Connor Ingram. Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reported that Ingram would not report to training camp this season. Moreover, the Mammoth would be placing him on waivers.

The move does not mean the Mammoth is giving up entirely on Ingram. It just signals that the Mammoth and Ingram will work together to give the 28-year-old a fresh start elsewhere.

Ingram opened last season as the Mammoth’s starter, but gradually lost his job to Karel Vejmelka. The Mammoth committed to Vejmelka as their starter by extending him to a long-term deal.

Meanwhile, Ingram entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He was cleared to return ahead of training camp. However, the Mammoth’s signing of Vitek Vanacek over the summer essentially left Ingram without a job.

But Ingram’s situation is not the only intriguing twist in the Mammoth’s goalie situation. Several insiders have hinted that the Mammoth could pursue Carter Hart.

Hart, who was recently acquitted of criminal charges in the Hockey Canada scandal, is reportedly set to decide on a team to sign with this season. And Utah has been one of the teams most likely linked to the 27-year-old netminder.

Signing Hart could create logjam in Mammoth crease

Signing Carter Hart could create a logjam in the Mammoth’s crease. With Vejmelka and Vanacek firmly in the mix, Ingram awaiting a potential trade or move, the potential addition of Hart could mean that the Mammoth will need to move a goalie sooner rather than later.

Of course, Hart won’t step off the bus and hit the ice immediately. He’ll need time to adjust to the NHL again. But when he’s ready to return, what happens to Vejmelka and Vanacek?

Does Vanacek become expendable? Does Hart push Vejmelka for the starting job?

It’s an interesting scenario that could unfold. The Mammoth could end up with three NHL-caliber goalies with Hart in the mix. That number could be four if Ingram sticks around the organization.

Of course, it’s never a bad idea to have more than two capable goalies in the depth chart. The Mammoth could certainly use a competent third-string goalie. Assuming that Vejmelka and Hart become a 1A/1B tandem, Vanacek could become that third goalie.

This discussion is only speculation at this point. But there could be plenty to go talk about in the coming days as training camps open around the league.