Calvin Pickard’s numbers don’t tell the full story this season — and Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch finally said out loud what many fans have been seeing for weeks.
Until this season, Pickard has quietly given Edmonton a go-to goalie when called upon. In fact, he was considered one of the better backups in the NHL. This season it has often been left outside to dry. Again Saturday as the Oilers took on the Calgary Flames in a rematch from last week, Knoblauch explained why he’s going with Connor Ingram, and it has little to do with Pickard.
Considering Ingram has played well in his previous starts since joining the Oilers, Knoblauch wants to reward him for “getting the wins.” That leaves Pickard on the bench as a backup, even though Knoblauch admitted that Pickard has “played really well” recently and in his previous seasons with the team.
In 2025-26, Pickard’s stat line doesn’t jump off the page, but the Oilers have struggled defensively in his starts, giving up high-value opportunities and failing to protect him as they have in the past. That has created a situation where Pickard often takes the lead on issues that start well before the crease.
Knoblauch directly acknowledged that reality, noting that while Pickard’s numbers don’t reflect strong play, the team has played “really bad hockey” for him at times this season. That’s in stark contrast to previous years, when Edmonton often played its best hockey with Pickard in net.
This year was different – more breakdowns, more eccentric rushes and more difficult confrontations – and it shows in the results.
Going with Ingram isn’t about Pickard
So when the Oilers chose to go in a different direction, it wasn’t a vote of no confidence. Knoblauch made it clear that the decision was difficult and rooted in a desire to evaluate Connor in successive situations, not because Pickard has underperformed.
Fans need to understand that distinction when calling for Pickard to be traded or demoted.
Pickard hasn’t missed any opportunities because he can’t get the job done. He lost them because the Oilers haven’t been consistent with their goals. And now the head coach has confirmed what fans probably should have understood when Pickard’s numbers went from solid to terrible. This is not a goalkeeper who suddenly couldn’t play anymore. This is a goaltender who got screwed early in the season because his teammates weren’t very good.
Next: Oilers look to go all-in on trade for Kraken Star Forward
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