The Edmonton Oilers have placed veteran goaltender Calvin Pickard on waivers, raising questions about the team's backup plan should he be claimed. The move, announced on Sunday, February 1st, comes as a bit of a surprise, considering Pickard's solid performance for the Oilers in recent seasons.
Pickard, 33, has posted a 5-6-2 record this season, with a 3.68 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage. While these numbers are not stellar, it's important to note that he has been a dependable backup for the Oilers, even playing exceptionally well in the playoffs, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final twice. In the 2024-25 season, Pickard went 22-10-1 with a 2.71 goals against average and a .900 save percentage.
The decision to place Pickard on waivers signals a shift in the Oilers' goaltending strategy. With the emergence of Connor Ingram and the presence of Tristan Jarry, Pickard became the odd man out in a crowded three-goalie system. Ingram has posted a .901 save percentage and a 2.55 goals against average since joining the Oilers, outperforming Pickard's numbers this season. Jarry, acquired in a mid-season trade, has a $5.375 million commitment for two additional years, making him likely to retain his roster spot.
If Pickard is claimed, the Oilers will need to rely on either Ingram or Jarry to step up as the primary backup to starter Stuart Skinner. While Ingram has shown promise, Jarry's performance has been inconsistent since arriving in Edmonton. This leaves the Oilers with a degree of uncertainty in their goaltending depth.
Several teams might be interested in claiming Pickard off waivers. The Philadelphia Flyers, with a shaky backup in Sam Ersson, could be a potential destination. The Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers have also been mentioned as possibilities. For the Rangers, who are struggling without Igor Shesterkin, Pickard could be a short-term solution to stabilize their roster.
Oiler's coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged Pickard's contributions, stating, "We wouldn't have been in the Stanley Cup finals two years in a row without him". He highlighted Pickard's ability to give Skinner a reset during the 2024 series against Vancouver and his strong play in the first-round series against Los Angeles the previous year.
The Oilers are taking a risk by placing Pickard on waivers. If he clears waivers, he will be assigned to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. However, losing a reliable and popular teammate could have an impact on team morale. Whether Pickard clears waivers or is claimed by another team, the Oilers will need to solidify their goaltending depth to ensure they have a reliable backup plan for the remainder of the season.