The Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending situation has flipped dramatically. What was once one of the league’s weakest areas has suddenly become crowded, and that shift has left Calvin Pickard on the outside looking in.
Edmonton now carries three NHL-caliber goaltenders in Tristan Jarry, Connor Ingram, and Pickard. With the Oilers settling into a Jarry–Ingram tandem, Pickard has become the odd man out.
Oilers’ Calvin Pickard Speaks Out as Competition Heats Up in Net
Edmonton’s goaltending overhaul began in December, when the Oilers dealt Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jarry following a difficult start to the season. At that point, the Skinner–Pickard duo had managed just a .873 save percentage, second-worst in the league.
Jarry immediately brought some stability, winning his first three starts before a lower-body injury on Dec. 18 created an opening for Connor Ingram. Ingram stepped up, while Pickard contributed when called upon, including a standout 42-save performance in a 3–2 win over Winnipeg.
With Jarry back to full health, he’s posted a 4-1-1 record along with a 2.48 GAA and .904 save percentage, splitting starts with Ingram, who has been even sharper with a 2.22 GAA and .917 save percentage. That pairing has left Pickard on the outside looking in. He hasn’t seen game action since Jan. 8 and currently owns a 3.68 GAA and .871 save percentage this season.
As the trade deadline draws closer, Pickard’s place in Edmonton is far from secure. Whether it’s an AHL assignment or a potential move to free up roster space, change seems very much on the table. Pickard hasn’t tried to mask his disappointment either.
“I don’t like it. I’m not having fun with it but I’m still coming in every day, working hard because you never know what’s going to happen. I have to be ready for my next opportunity. That’s my mindset,” Pickard said.
Despite the disappointment, Pickard has made it clear he won’t let the situation affect his role in the room.
“I’m still here joking with the guys,” he said. “Doesn’t mean I’m happy with what’s going on, but when I’m here, it’s my job to be a pro and a good teammate. These guys (Jarry and Ingram) have played well.”
Pickard acknowledged the emotional toll of the situation, saying, “Right now, I’m the third goalie, and it’s painful for me.”
After back-to-back shutouts, the Oilers fell 2-1 to the Devils on Tuesday on Jarry’s 15-save outing. And now the Oilers turn to Thursday’s matchup against the Penguins and former Oiler Stuart Skinner.
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For Calvin Pickard, it’s a matter of staying ready and prepared for whenever the next opportunity presents itself.
