In the NHL, loyalty is valued-but it's rarely the only factor in roster decisions. Just ask Calvin Pickard, the veteran netminder who helped the Edmonton Oilers win seven playoff games last spring. Fast forward to now, and he’s not even suiting up as the backup.
The Oilers have turned the crease over to a new tandem: Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram. Both are recent additions, both are pushing each other, and both have clearly earned the trust of the coaching staff. That’s great news for Edmonton’s goaltending depth-but not so great for Pickard, who’s suddenly the odd man out.
Here’s the situation: Pickard is still with the team, still practicing, still doing everything right. He’s a respected voice in the room, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl among those who value his presence.
But NHL rosters are a numbers game, and Edmonton’s cap situation may soon force their hand. If the Oilers need to bring up a forward or a defenseman from the farm, they might not be able to afford the luxury of carrying a third goalie who isn’t dressing.
That puts Pickard in a tough spot. He’s on a one-year, $1 million deal that expires July 1-very affordable by NHL standards.
And he’s proven he can deliver in high-pressure situations. That kind of resume doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by teams in need of reliable backup help.
Ottawa and Philadelphia come to mind as potential trade partners, both having dealt with instability in net this season.
Until then, Pickard is stuck in limbo. He shows up, works hard, keeps a positive attitude, and doesn’t complain-a true pro. But in a league where roster spots are as competitive as the games themselves, being well-liked and playoff-tested doesn’t always guarantee you a jersey on game night.
The Oilers are rolling with their new duo in goal, and it’s working. That’s the reality of the NHL: performance drives decisions, and sometimes even the good guys get caught in the numbers game.