Edmonton Oilers recall Ryan Fanti as emergency backup

The 24-year-old joined the organization after he wrapped up his NCAA career late in the 2021-22 season. He inked a tryout playing one game for the Condors that year, with a two-year entry-level contract kicking off the following season.

Over the last two years, the pending RFA has had some up-and-down time adjusting to the pro game. Last season, he played eight games for the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, posting a 0-5-1 record and a .894 save percentage. He spent the majority of his time in the ECHL ranks with the Fort Wayne Komets, posting a 15-16 record and the same save percentage.

But in the ECHL playoffs last year, he seemingly took a step forward in six games, going 3-3 with a .915 save percentage. This year, he was able to carry that success to the regular season in the ECHL, where he played all 17 of his games. He posted a 9-6-1 record and a .915 save percentage.

Fanti was tremendous in the NCAA ranks at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and with a light goaltending prospect pool for the Oilers, there was hope he would help solidify it. Across 57 games there, he posted a 31-19-6 record and a .921 save percentage.

It remains to be seen if the Oilers will re-sign Fanti, given the club’s recent signing of Connor Ungar. Ungar is a former member of the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors who spent last season with USPORTS’ Brock University. There, he was named goaltender of the year, posting a 20-6 record, a .932 save percentage, and a 2.15 goals against average.

Nonetheless, Fanti will be with the Oilers to serve as the clubs emergency backup through the playoffs.