The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association jointly announced on August 20, 2025, that Utah Mammoth goaltender Connor Ingram has been cleared to return to the NHL, following his participation in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Ingram had been in the program since March, focusing on his mental health after the passing of his mother in December 2024.

Ingram posted a message on social media in March stating his need to prioritize his health and take time away to return at 100 percent. Before entering the program, he was with the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners for a rehab stint from an upper-body injury. Upon his return to Utah, Ingram revealed his leave of absence was due to his mother's death.

This marks Ingram's second time in the Player Assistance Program. He initially entered the program in 2021 while with the Nashville Predators to address his undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder, which led to alcohol use as a coping mechanism for anxiety.

In the 2023-24 season, Ingram was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy as a member of the Arizona Coyotes. This award recognizes a player who exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Following the franchise's relocation from Arizona, Ingram continued as the starting goalie for Utah.

Prior to his departure in March, the 28-year-old from Saskatchewan, Canada, played 22 games for Utah, recording a 9-8-4 record. During his absence, 29-year-old Czech goalie Karel Vejmelka assumed the starting role for the Mammoth and secured a five-year, $23.75 million contract extension. Further bolstering their goaltending depth, Utah signed former Florida Panthers backup Vitek Vanecek to a one-year, $1.5 million contract in July amidst the uncertainty surrounding Ingram's return.

Ingram's return sets the stage for competition among him, Vejmelka, and Vanecek as Utah prepares for training camp next month. Official camp dates are yet to be announced.

During the previous season, Ingram also missed time due to an upper-body injury, limiting him to 22 games. He also played one game in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners on a conditioning stint, where he stopped 29 of 30 shots.

Ingram is currently in the final year of his three-year contract, which carries a $1.95 million cap hit, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NHL career.