This morning, the Edmonton Oilers announced via their social media channels that the team has placed (G) Calvin Pickard on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the Bakersfield Condors.
Brought into town as an insurance policy in case anything happens with Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner, Calvin Pickard is a guy that’s been around for a long time that can handle the role if needed. So far in the preseason, at least by my eye, Pickard has looked like a solid third option as he’s been able to keep the ship steady in every single appearance, often making huge saves at key times. And if I’m being honest, knowing that we have a capable third option back there on our depth chart is incredibly reassuring as we know that at some point we’re going to need him. The tricky part, of course, will be seeing if he clears waivers or not as the Oilers have been burned with this process and their third goalie before. Remember Anton Forsberg?
Originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2nd round (49th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and has bopped around several organizations before being signed by the Oilers to a two-year deal this past summer. If Pickard clears waivers, he’ll be expected to provide a strong foundation down in Bakersfield while also teaching his young teammates how to do it a the pro level. For players like Ryan Fanti and Olivier Rodrigue — we’ll see how much time either guys spends with the Condors — having a veteran with hundreds of pro games under his belt will surely be a benefit to their overall progression. As for what he’ll do in Edmonton with the Oilers, that remains to be seen but I don’t think I’m talking out of school when I say (with love) that I hope we won’t be seeing him any time soon.
In 116 NHL games played, Pickard sports a record of 35-54-10 to go along with four shutouts, a 3.04 GAA, and a .903 save%.

CALVIN PICKARD’S NHL CAREER SO FAR

SeasonGPGSWLTOTSAGAGAASV%SOMIN
2021-2022
3
1
1
1
0
0
72
9
4.30
.875
0
126
NHL Career
116
93
35
54
10
3,196
309
3.04
.903
4
6,105