Calvin Pickard made no secret of his frustration when asked about his role with the Edmonton Oilers this season. A goaltender who was an ideal backup last season, won more than 20 games and played in crucial moments in the play-offs, has become an afterthought this season. “I don’t like it. I don’t enjoy it,” Pickard said.
The highly popular netminder, who is a better goaltender than his record this season suggests, has been tossed around as the Oilers look to strengthen their goaltending tandem. No one really talks about him because they’re too busy talking about Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram. “It definitely sucks…I’m going to be 34 soon and I’ve seen all these kinds of situations. But yeah, it was painful for me.”
Pickard has been playing second fiddle his entire career
There are few players in the league as widely respected as Pickard. Especially in the Oilers locker room, to say he is well-liked would be a serious understatement. Ask around the NHL and players from various franchises will tell you that Pickard is one of their favorite teammates. He is friends with almost everyone. In Edmonton he is known as a consummate professional who understands his role.
That doesn’t mean he has to like it. And for someone as competitive as Pickard, he shouldn’t be doing that.
Still, Pickard has spent much of this season watching from the bench or press box as Stuart Skinner (now in Pittsburgh), Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram rotated through the crease.
Despite doing everything asked of him, Pickard seems like the odd one out in a tough situation with three goalkeepers. While the Oilers can technically have three goaltenders for now, the realities of the roster and cap suggest that won’t last long. Ultimately, a decision has to be made.
Jarry and Ingram won the two goalie spots
Jarry and Ingram have both capitalized on their opportunities, posting strong performances and shutouts over the last few games when both have been healthy. Even through the Oilers’ losses, the two have remained solid, and that’s what the Oilers are looking for as they try to solve the final piece of their playoff puzzle: winning a Stanley Cup.
Pickard has seen limited action in the meantime, leaving little chance of changing the narrative or regaining his spot. As a result, all signs point to him being the goalie sent to Bakersfield while Edmonton needs roster flexibility. That is, assuming he approves waivers. He probably won’t.
The decision to leave Pickard behind won’t be an easy one. It will have a lasting impact on the rest of the Oilers, who have reportedly remained steadfast in retaining Pickard despite previous thoughts of moving on. Pickard is well-liked and reliable when called upon, and handles reduced usage with professionalism and class. At $1 million per season, his contract is also extremely team-friendly.
The ugly truth is that Jarry and Ingram are younger and playing better right now. These are two goaltenders that the Oilers could potentially move forward with while what appears to be a stud in Connor Ungar developing in the AHL. For Pickard, it is not a reflection of effort or character; it’s just lattice math. And in the NHL, that reality can be brutal.
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