For a long time, the Edmonton Oilers’ most pressing issue has been the need to improve the target — or at least add depth to the position. Now the roles have been reversed. With trade acquisition Tristan Jarry back from injury and Connor Ingram continuing his strong play, Edmonton is currently surplus and operating a three-goal system.
The clear third option of the trio is Calvin Pickard, who, despite being well-liked in the locker room, could find himself the odd man out – especially after the Olympic break when the Oilers’ salary cap situation tightens. That said, one reporter suggests keeping an eye on the Philadelphia Flyers early on, given their desperate need for a goaltender.
Team reporter Jim Matheson wrote Saturday that he suspects GM Danny Briere is keeping an eye on Pickard, especially because of Dan Vladar’s recent injury and the terrible play of their other netminders.
Matheson wrote:
“With Dan Vladar injured and Sam Ersson struggling as a backup in Philly, suspect GM Danny Briere is monitoring Calvin Pickard’s goaltending situation here,”
The 33-year-old Pickard’s numbers haven’t been good this year, currently sporting a 5-6-2 record to go with a 3.68 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage. He is a UFA awaiting the second and final season of the two-year, $2 million extension he signed with the Oilers in 2024.
Can the Oilers actually get something valuable in return for Calvin Pickard?
It is believed that once Adam Henrique returns from injury, the Oilers would likely be forced to waive Pickard. However, given the Flyers’ dire situation as they fight to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff race, Edmonton could have leverage to make a trade.
Let’s be honest: If a deal does happen, it probably won’t amount to much, although they could try to include Andrew Mangiapane’s $3.6 million contract, which would free up even more cap space to add before the deadline. Nevertheless, it might be better than seeing Pickard walk out the door on the waiver wire for nothing, giving GM Stan Bowman a chance to make the best of a tough situation.
Not to mention that Philadelphia is currently taking on the New York Rangers in a matinee match, where Aleksei Kolosov was pulled after allowing three goals on three shots, further showing how desperate they are for someone to step in and make saves before their season slips away.
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