Report Suggests a Metropolitan Division Team is Eyeing Calvin Pickard

For a long time, the Edmonton Oilers’ most pressing issue was the need to upgrade in goal—or at least add depth at the position. Now, the tables have turned. With trade acquisition Tristan Jarry back from injury and Connor Ingram continuing his strong play, Edmonton currently has a surplus, running a three-goalie system.

The clear-cut third option of the trio is Calvin Pickard, who, despite being well-liked in the locker room, could find himself as the odd man out—especially after the Olympic break, when the Oilers’ salary cap situation tightens. That said, one reporter suggests keeping an eye on the Philadelphia Flyers even before then, given their desperate need for a goalie.

---

Team reporter Jim Matheson wrote on Saturday that he suspects GM Danny Briere is monitoring Pickard, particularly with the recent injury to Dan Vladar and the dreadful play of their other netminders.

Matheson wrote:

“With Dan Vladar now hurt and Sam Ersson struggling as backup in Philly, suspect GM Danny Briere is monitoring Calvin Pickard goalie situation here,”

The 33-year-old Pickard’s numbers haven’t been pretty this year, currently sporting a 5-6-2 record to go with a 3.68 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage. He’s a pending UFA in the second and final season of the two-year, $2 million extension he signed with the Oilers in 2024.

Could the Oilers Actually Get Something of Value Back for Calvin Pickard?

It’s been assumed that once Adam Henrique returns from injury, the Oilers would likely be forced to waive Pickard. However, given the Flyers’ dire straits as they fight to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff race, Edmonton might have leverage to make a trade.

Let’s be honest—if a deal does happen, it likely won’t net much in return, though they could look to attach Andrew Mangiapane’s $3.6 million contract, which would free up even more cap space to add before the deadline. Nonetheless, it’s better than potentially seeing Pickard walk out the door for nothing on the waiver wire, giving GM Stan Bowman a chance to make the best of a tricky situation.

Not to mention, Philadelphia is currently taking on the New York Rangers in a matinee matchup, where Aleksei Kolosov was pulled after allowing three goals on three shots, further demonstrating just how desperate they are for someone to step in and make saves before their season slips away.

Next: Popular Social Account Predicts Oilers Reunite with Familiar Face on Defense