Calvin Pickard’s Rocky Ride: Oilers Veteran Goalie Facing Tough Stretch Amid Rising Competition
The NHL grind can be unforgiving, and right now, Calvin Pickard is feeling the full weight of it. The 33-year-old netminder is in the thick of one of the roughest stretches of his career - a career that’s seen its fair share of highs and lows across more than a decade and nearly 200 regular-season games.
Pickard’s journey has always been a bit of a rollercoaster. He once looked like the goaltender of the future in Colorado, holding down the Avalanche crease from 2014 to 2017.
But since then, he’s bounced around the league, carving out a role as a reliable backup or third-string option. That path eventually led him to Edmonton for the 2023-24 season, where he was brought in as a depth piece behind Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner - a veteran insurance policy for a team trying to steady its goaltending situation.
For a while, that gamble paid off. Pickard became a stabilizing presence when the Oilers needed it most, stepping in during stretches when inconsistency plagued the crease.
But this season, the tables have turned. Now it’s Pickard who’s struggling, and the Oilers have had to look elsewhere for stability.
A Down Year in the Blue Paint
Through 13 games this season, Pickard’s numbers tell a tough story: a 5-6-2 record, a 3.68 goals-against average, and a .871 save percentage. Those are hard stats to ignore, especially when compared to the performances of his fellow goaltenders in Edmonton.
Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram - both newcomers to the Oilers’ roster - have stepped in and delivered. Jarry, acquired in December, has been solid in his six starts, posting a 4-1-1 record with a 2.48 GAA and a .904 save percentage. He even notched a shutout against the Canucks last weekend, a performance that underscored his quick adjustment to his new team.
Ingram’s story is even more surprising. Initially acquired for future considerations, he started the season in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, where his early numbers didn’t inspire much confidence.
But when Jarry went down with an injury, Ingram got the call - and he’s made the most of it. In nine games with the Oilers, he’s put up a 5-3-1 record, a 2.22 GAA, and a .917 save percentage, including a shutout performance against the Seattle Kraken.
From Playoff Contributor to Press Box
What makes Pickard’s current situation sting even more is how quickly things have changed. Just last spring, he was a trusted option for head coach Kris Knoblauch and the Oilers' staff during their playoff push.
Fast forward to now, and Pickard hasn’t seen game action since January 8th. He’s gone from being leaned on in high-stakes moments to watching from the outside as others take the reins.
“Yeah, it’s been tough,” Pickard admitted, a sentiment that’s easy to understand. For a veteran who’s fought to stay relevant in a demanding league, this kind of setback isn’t just about the stats - it’s about the grind, the preparation, and the mental challenge of staying ready when your number isn’t being called.
What Comes Next?
There’s no clear answer yet on what the rest of the season holds for Pickard. The Oilers have options in net, and right now, both Jarry and Ingram are giving the team every reason to keep riding with them. But hockey has a way of throwing curveballs - injuries, slumps, and schedule crunches can change the picture fast.
Pickard knows that, and he’s not counting himself out. “You never know - I could be right back in there at some point here soon,” he said.
That’s the mindset of a veteran who’s been through the ups and downs before. For now, he’ll stay ready, stay sharp, and wait for another chance to prove he can still be the guy when the Oilers need him.