The Edmonton Oilers don’t have many clean options when it comes to Calvin Pickard, and none of them are particularly comfortable. Unfortunately, uncomfortable decisions are part of running a competitive organization, where the salary cap is tight, and the goal is to win a Stanley Cup.
Over the past few seasons, Pickard has been exactly what the Oilers needed him to be. He’s been reliable when called upon, professional at all times, a soldier in his role, and by all accounts a massive positive in the locker room. So, to see him being treated like a third wheel or an afterthought is heartbreaking, but part of the ruthless business.
The hope is that his attitude has earned him some respect from the organization and a future where the team does right by the veteran goaltender. Whether he stays with the team or not, he’s earned another opportunity at the NHL level.
Moving Pickard Via Trade Seems Like The Right Thing To Do
That’s why moving Pickard via trade makes the most sense. There are teams around the league that could use a steady, low-cost backup goaltender, and Pickard fits that bill. Give him the chance to be part of the process and send him somewhere he can play an important role.
The Oilers are clearly trending toward two different goalies to man their crease. Despite a tough outing by Tristan Jarry on Thursday night, he’s played well. Connor Ingram has also been solid. It seems like the Oilers have made a decision, and Pickard isn’t part of it. Giving him a legitimate shot elsewhere feels like the right move, both morally and practically.
From a depth perspective, trading him actually leaves Edmonton in a stronger position than they’ve been in years. A structure featuring Jarry and Ingram at the NHL level, with Matt Tomkins and Connor Ungar in Bakersfield, is not a bad setup at all. Everyone has a role. The Oilers look strong in terms of depth, and the only real loss is that the players will feel awful about a beloved teammate being gone.
That’s another big reason to treat Pickard well on the way out. Players like Connor McDavid and those who have advocated for Pickard won’t be pleased if he’s simply discarded. This Oilers team already lacks urgency and motivation. Giving them a reason to be bitter is a bad idea.
Waiving Pickard creates problems. If he’s claimed, the Oilers lose another asset for nothing — something they can’t afford to keep doing. If he clears, the organization is forced into an ugly logjam in Bakersfield. If he’s traded somewhere he wants to go, at least the players will be happy for him.
This isn’t about the Oilers being “happy” with the decision. It’s about integrity and understanding that the likelihood is, they won’t get much in return, if anything at all. Since there’s little to lose, just do the right thing.
Next: Nugent-Hopkins Is Central to the Oilers’ Top-9 Forward Trade Plan
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