The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a tricky situation regarding their goaltending, and the likely departure of Calvin Pickard could have significant ramifications for the team's success. With Tristan Jarry returning to full health, the Oilers are currently managing a three-goalie system that includes Jarry, Connor Ingram, and Pickard. This configuration presents challenges in terms of roster flexibility and consistent playing time for each goalie.
Ingram, who joined the Oilers before the 2025-26 season, has performed well since being called up from the Bakersfield Condors in December. Jarry is considered the team's number-one goalie, which leaves Pickard as the odd man out. While Pickard has been praised as a great team player, keeping a third-string goalie around solely for morale may not be the most practical decision.
Pickard's statistics for the 2025-26 season, a 3.68 goals-against average (GAA) and a .871 save percentage (SV%) in 16 appearances, are significantly lower than Ingram's .907 save percentage and 2.49 GAA in eight games. These numbers suggest that Ingram is the preferred backup moving forward.
The Oilers' three-goalie arrangement has become unsustainable, limiting roster flexibility and preventing the team from dressing a full complement of depth skaters. Several teams have expressed interest in Pickard, and a trade seems likely in the coming days. The Philadelphia Flyers, whose General Manager Danny Briere is reportedly monitoring Pickard's situation due to injuries and struggles with their current backup, are among the teams interested.
While moving on from Pickard may not have a negative impact on the ice, it could potentially disrupt the team's chemistry. Pickard is well-liked in the locker room, and some players have even advocated for him to remain on the team. However, the Oilers must prioritize their roster construction and salary cap situation.
The potential return for Pickard is likely to be a late-round draft pick or a lower-level prospect. There is also the possibility of a broader deal involving forward Andrew Mangiapane, who is reportedly seeking a change of scenery. Moving Pickard and Mangiapane together could address both the roster and cap issues.
The Oilers' goaltending situation has reached a critical point, and a decision must be made. Designating either Pickard or Ingram to waivers carries risks, as other teams could claim them. Losing a goalie for nothing would be a setback for the Oilers, who have a narrow margin for error. Ultimately, the Oilers must decide whether the potential disruption to team morale outweighs the need for roster flexibility and improved goaltending statistics.
