The Edmonton Oilers are facing an intriguing scenario with their goaltending as they approach the playoffs. While the regular season may not allow for much flexibility, the postseason presents a different set of rules that could work in their favor.
Tristan Jarry, who can't be sent to the AHL post-trade deadline, remains a key figure. However, there's talk that Calvin Pickard might make a return to the Oilers during the playoffs, serving as Ingram's backup. This move could allow coach Kris Knoblauch to field a stronger lineup, thanks to the unique playoff salary cap rules.
Starting with the 2026 playoffs, the NHL introduced a playoff salary cap that mirrors the regular season's limit of $95.5 million. But there's a twist: for each playoff game, teams must submit a lineup of 18 skaters and two goalies.
Only the salaries of these 20 players count against the cap for that game. If a player is scratched, injured, or otherwise not in the lineup, their salary doesn't count.
This setup allows for strategic flexibility. The Oilers, for instance, can carry three goalies but need only submit two before each game, provided they stay under the cap. This rule ensures teams can't field a roster exceeding the cap during the playoffs, but it doesn't stop them from traveling with or carrying extra salary.
For the Oilers, this means they can optimize their lineup game by game, potentially giving them an edge as they chase postseason success.