{"id":554863,"date":"2026-04-17T23:24:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T23:24:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/554863\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T23:24:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T23:24:37","slug":"oilers-announce-emergency-roster-move-before-stanley-cup-playoffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/554863\/","title":{"rendered":"Oilers Announce ‘Emergency’ Roster Move Before Stanley Cup Playoffs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Edmonton Oilers<\/a> are entering the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs<\/a> with hopes of finally getting over the hump, as their back-to-back foes, the Florida Panthers, couldn’t make it to the postseason this year.<\/p>\n

With the organization set to face the Anaheim Ducks<\/a> in the first round, however, a lot of question marks still surround<\/a> the roster and one of their two best players in forward Leon Draisaitl, as well as the status of fellow forward Zach Hyman, who just returned<\/a> for the last game of the regular season.<\/p>\n

Goaltending, meanwhile, will also be a key piece of the Oilers’ postseason puzzle, with Connor Ingram expected to carry the starting role and Tristan Jarry positioned behind him, showing some inconsistencies<\/a> following a mid-season injury.<\/p>\n

\"Edmonton<\/p>\n

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) squirts his face with water after coming into a game.Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

On top of their starter and backup, the NHL<\/a> also allows teams to carry an additional goaltender during the playoffs, giving franchises added flexibility for practices without risking the health of their main netminders.<\/p>\n

Given that context, the Oilers announced<\/a> what the franchise termed an “emergency” roster move on Friday, with Edmonton recalling a veteran goalie within the organization.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe #Oilers have recalled goaltender Calvin Pickard from the @Condors on an emergency basis.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Sportsnet\u2019s Mark Spector<\/a>, the move is not injury-related, with Ingram and Jarry entering the playoffs with full availability.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan confirm that there are no injuries to either Ingram or Jarry,\u201d Spector wrote. \u201cNHL wants teams to have an \u2018NHL GOALIE\u2019 as their No. 3 in playoff. Pickard will be that for Oilers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pickard, 34, appeared in 16 NHL games this season, posting a 5-6-2 record with a 3.68 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage.<\/p>\n

During his time in the American Hockey League with the Bakersfield Condors this campaign, Pickard recorded<\/a> a 4-3-1 mark alongside a 3.26 goals-against average and a .886 save percentage.<\/p>\n

Edmonton will open its first-round series against the Ducks on Monday, with Game 1 scheduled for puck drop at 10 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n

Related: NHL Legend Wayne Gretzky Announces His 2026 Hart Trophy Winner<\/a><\/p>\n

Related: Full 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Schedule, Updated Bracket and Results<\/a><\/p>\n

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports<\/a> on Apr 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL<\/a> section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n