Utah's Connor Ingram Enters NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

The Utah Hockey Club has announced that goaltender Connor Ingram has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and is out indefinitely.

Utah HC goalie Connor Ingram has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and will be unavailable to the team for an indefinite period while he receives care.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 9, 2025

In January of this year, Ingram revealed that the month-long absence he took early in the season was to grieve for the passing of his mother. He explained with a post on social media on Sunday that he is still having trouble dealing with the loss, and he has entered the assistance program for help.

I’ll be back. 🩵 pic.twitter.com/c5HTbRqFdx
— Connor Ingram (@CBIngram1) March 9, 2025

“For those of you that don’t know, earlier this season I lost my mother to breast cancer,” Ingram wrote. “After trying to make a return to playing, I have come to realize that I am not myself. At this point in my life I need to put my health first, and (to) take the proper time I need away to come back at 100 percent.

“Though many view the program as a resource for substance abuse, I want to recognize all that they do. I am once again privileged to have access to their network of world class health professionals to hopefully avoid long term negative effects of putting your health second. With the program’s assistance I look forward to getting the medical help I need and returning to a happy and healthy.”

This helps explain Ingram's struggles between the pipes this year. In 22 games, he has an .882 save percentage and a 3.27 goals-against average, with a 9-8-4 record.

This is Ingram's second time in player assistance, as he spent a large portion of his rookie year, 2020-21, in the program, while with the Nashville Predators. He was only able to start three games that season.

The 27-year-old is in his third season with the Utah franchise, having been the starter in its last year in Arizona in 2023-24, when he started 48 games and posted a .907 Sv% with a 2.91 GAA, along with a league-leading six shutouts. He also deservedly won the league's Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Ingram was a third-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

We wish Ingram the best in his recovery.