Goaltender Connor Ingram announced his retirement from professional hockey on Friday, September 11, 2026. The 29-year-old, who played for three National Hockey League (NHL) organizations over parts of five seasons, shared the news through a post on Instagram. His agent, Jason Davidson, confirmed the decision.
Ingram entered the NHL in 2021 and played for the Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes/Utah, and the Edmonton Oilers. During his career, he spoke publicly about his experience with undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and how he previously used alcohol as a way to cope with anxiety related to the condition.
In recognition of his openness regarding his mental health and his return to the sport, Ingram was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2024. The trophy is given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. In his retirement post, Ingram wrote, "Don’t be sad it’s over. Be happy it happened. Thanks hockey, I owe ya."
The retirement affects the Edmonton Oilers, where Ingram most recently played, appearing for the team during the 2026 postseason. His departure follows a career that spanned parts of five seasons, during which he appeared for three different organizations, including the transition of the Arizona franchise to Utah.
For the NHL community, Ingram’s career served as a public example of managing a clinical diagnosis in professional sports. By sharing his struggles with OCD and anxiety-driven substance use, he provided a visible narrative for others dealing with similar challenges. His retirement marks the conclusion of a career recognized for perseverance, setting a recent precedent for how the league acknowledges players who navigate personal and medical hurdles.
The Edmonton Oilers will now proceed without Ingram following his most recent postseason appearance in April 2026. No further details regarding Ingram’s post-retirement plans were included in the announcement.