Do Oilers Have Backup Plan if Pickard Claimed Off Waivers?

A 51-save night for Connor Ungar might have given the Edmonton Oilers confidence that if Calvin Pickard is claimed on waivers by another team Monday, the Oilers won’t have to shift into panic mode. The ideal situation is for Pickard to clear and be sent to Bakersfield in the AHL, where he’ll share duties with Ungar, who is having an incredible season. If Pickard is claimed, the Oilers appear to have a third-string NHL netminder ready in waiting.

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Ungar’s save percentage in each game with the Bakersfield Condors this season reads as follows: 0.946, 0.903, 0.971, 0.955, 1.000, 0.967, 0.905, 0.962. He made 51 save (Condors franchise record) in their 3-2 win on Sunday night. He’s stopped 260 of 274 shots since being recalled to the AHL. Has a 1.74 GAA and .949Sv%.

Those are the kind of numbers that would allow a team like Edmonton to risk losing Pickard, even with questions about how well Tristan Jarry is playing and if Connor Ingram can play the 1A role to close out the 2025-26 NHL season.

Ironically, Oilers GM Stan Bowman, after a series of goaltending signings/trades that didn’t work out the way he wanted, signed Ungar in 2024. Of all the goalies the Oilers have played in their system, Ungar has been the most steady. It’s a smaller sample size, but he’s been incredible everywhere an in every league he’s played. The Oilers might be feeling confident they have a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option.

And, if Ungar isn’t the backup plan, there might be a trade in the works. The pre-Olympic NHL trade deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 4th, and the Oilers play on the 3rd and the 4th in back-to-backs to go into the break. Monday would be the day for an Oilers trade. Pickard being placed on waivers might be the catalyst for something to get done.

Fans Are Saying Goodbye to Pickard

Thinking he will be claimed, Oilers fans have started hopping on social media to say goodbye. “If this is it for Calvin Pickard’s time with the Oilers, he did everything and more for the fans, city, and team. Picks was put under an ungodly amount of pressure in must-win playoff scenarios, and he performed at a very high level. A GREAT Edmonton Oiler,” wrote one fan.

“12-0 in playoffs will never be forgot Pickard. Sail on, king,” wrote another.

Next: Skinner vs. Jarry: Which Goalie Fits the Oilers Game Better?