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![\"Dec](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/638912.webp.webp\" "\\"Dec")
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Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Kent Hughes has a new and intriguing file on his desk this morning, and it directly concerns the organization\u2019s goaltending management.<\/p>\n
The market for players available for free has just heated up.<\/p>\n
General managers are always closely monitoring the waiver wire.<\/p>\n
The Edmonton Oilers have decided to place goaltender Calvin Pickard on waivers.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the Calgary Flames did the same with Justin Kirkland.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Steve Yzerman took care of a depth issue in Detroit.<\/p>\n
The Red Wings signed Sheldon Dries to a two-year contract extension.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a two-way deal with a salary cap hit of $875,000.<\/p>\n
The 31-year-old forward is enjoying a productive offensive season in the American Hockey League.<\/p>\n
He has recorded 15 goals and 29 points in 34 games with the farm club.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s exactly the type of veteran who can stabilize a lineup, and that\u2019s where the connection to Montreal comes in.<\/p>\n
The situation in goal for the Canadiens is much calmer than it was before.<\/p>\n
This is no longer about saving the season, but rather about smart asset management.<\/p>\n
Calvin Pickard represents a low-risk insurance policy for the Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n
There is confidence in the development of the young players, but depth remains crucial.<\/p>\n
An injury can happen quickly, and experience can\u2019t be bought.<\/p>\n
Pickard fits the ideal profile of a third organizational goaltender who can step in when needed.<\/p>\n
The 32-year-old goaltender was selected in the second round of the 2010 draft by the Colorado Avalanche.<\/p>\n
He has experienced every possible situation in the NHL and would not be rattled by the Montreal market.<\/p>\n
If Kent Hughes decides to pass, it\u2019s not the end of the world.<\/p>\n
Justin Kirkland is also an option, having been selected in the third round by Nashville in 2014.<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s really the goaltending position that\u2019s drawing the most attention here.<\/p>\n
The Canadiens\u2019 general manager has the luxury of choosing without being in panic mode.<\/p>\n
He can simply add a veteran to secure the team\u2019s depth.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a purely hockey decision that costs nothing in terms of assets.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, the best moves are the ones you make for free.<\/p>\n
Hughes has 24 hours to decide whether he adds this card to his hand.<\/p>\n
Previously on All Montreal Hockey<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
3 HOURS AGO|125 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Edmonton Oilers place Calvin Pickard on waivers as Canadiens keep a close eye<\/p>\n
Should the Canadiens claim Calvin Pickard to add depth?<\/p>\n
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