Calvin Pickard finding success with the Edmonton Oilers as their quest for the Stanley Cup continues.
Calvin Pickard finding success with the Edmonton Oilers as their quest for the Stanley Cup continues.
Amid the Edmonton Oilers' historic 15-game winning streak, former Colorado Avalanche goaltender Calvin Pickard has been a rock-steady backup netminder for his team as he settles in with his new role and the pressure that surrounds the Oilers to find success and bring a championship season and return the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.
After signing a two-year extension with the Oilers on July 13, 2022, Pickard has remained a consistent member of their AHL team, the Bakersfield Condors where he posted a 2.70 goals against average (GAA) and a .912 save percentage (SV%) through 38 regular season games in his first season with the organization.
With only a limited four-game stint in the AHL this season, managing a 2.03 GAA and .929 SV%, he was recalled by the Oilers with fellow goaltender Jack Campbell clearing waivers and receiving an AHL assignment.
Fresh off of a 27-save shutout against the Chicago Blackhawks, Pickard now sports an impressive 2.34 GAA and .915 SV%, and a 5-2-0 record through eight games this season. The backup goaltender remained humble after his 100th career start in the NHL and a shutout calling his performance "a team shutout."
Drafted 48th overall by the Avalanche in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Pickard last played for the Avs during the 2016-17 season. He appeared in 50 games, and as a 24-year-old, it was his best season with the organization (2.98 GAA and .904 SV% despite a 15-31-2 record). In addition to his three seasons with the Avalanche and current role with the Oilers, Pickard has also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers and the Arizona Coyotes.
Should the 31-year-old continue to deliver performances that give his team a winning chance, Pickard could remain the best option for the Oilers to play backup to Stuart Skinner as they head into the March 8, 2024, NHL trade deadline.
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