In a move that has sparked debate among hockey fans, the Edmonton Oilers have placed veteran goalie Calvin Pickard on waivers, raising questions about the team's goaltending strategy and Pickard's future in the league. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this the end of Pickard's tenure with the Oilers, or could there be more to the story? Let’s dive in.
Calvin Pickard, a familiar face in Edmonton’s net, has started an impressive 64 regular-season games for the Oilers over the past three seasons, along with nine playoff appearances. However, his role has diminished this season, as he now finds himself as the team’s third-string goalie behind Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram. With a 5-6-2 record in 16 games, a .871 save percentage, and a 3.68 goals-against average, Pickard’s performance has been underwhelming. And this is the part most people miss: Despite his struggles, Pickard was a key figure last postseason, going 7-1 and starting crucial games in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.
At 33 years old, Pickard is in the final year of a two-year contract with a $1 million cap hit. His stats this season place him 63rd out of 91 NHL goalies, with a minus-3.5 goals saved above expected, according to MoneyPuck. This decline has left many wondering if his time with the Oilers is coming to a close.
The Oilers’ goaltending situation has been in flux. After acquiring Ingram in a trade with the Utah Mammoth and dealing starter Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Jarry, the team has yet to find stability. Jarry’s start in Edmonton has been rocky, with a .872 save percentage in nine starts, while Ingram has fared slightly better at .901 in 11 starts. As a result, the Oilers currently rank 26th in the NHL in team save percentage—a concerning statistic for a team with championship aspirations.
If Pickard clears waivers, he’ll likely head to the Bakersfield Condors, Edmonton’s American Hockey League affiliate, where he’s already played 42 games between 2022 and 2024. But the bigger question remains: Is this a strategic move to free up cap space, or a sign of deeper issues within the Oilers’ goaltending strategy?
This decision has already ignited discussions among fans and analysts. Some argue that Pickard’s postseason success should earn him another chance, while others believe the Oilers are right to prioritize younger, potentially more consistent options. What do you think? Is waiving Pickard the right call, or is Edmonton making a mistake? Let us know in the comments below.
Jesse Granger, a staff writer for The Athletic NHL based in Las Vegas, covers the Golden Knights and goaltending across the league. With a background as an award-winning reporter for the Las Vegas Sun, Jesse brings a wealth of expertise to his analysis. Follow him on Twitter @JesseGranger_ for more insights.
