Oilers cut ties with 39-23-4 goalie in surprise move after Tristan Jarry trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This is a move that makes some sense but that also very few would’ve actually seen coming.
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The Edmonton Oilers have placed Calvin Pickard on waivers. The goalie could clear and reach AHL Bakersfield, or he could be claimed by another team from waivers and see his career in the Edmonton organization come to an end.
The Oilers themselves announced the news on Sunday.
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Pickard has a career 39-23-4 record with the Oilers. This season, that has dropped to 5-6-2 with an 87.1 save percentage.
He has also played for the Avalanche, Red Wings, Flyers, Coyotes and Maple Leafs.
In his career, Pickard is 74-77-14 with a 90.1 save percentage and 2.96 goals against average.
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The 33-year old goalie was originally a second-round pick in 2010 by the Avalanche.
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He lost his backup job to Connor Ingram, which is signaled by this move.
The Oilers had made the trade for Tristan Jarry that sent away Stuart Skinner, but it seemed Pickard would remain in place.
But with the solid play of Ingram, Pickard became more expendable, and it wasn’t logical for Edmonton to continue carrying three goalies.
So they risk waivers for Pickard, whose career has taken a twist he may not have seen coming.
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