Calvin Pickard’s Journey: From Fill-In to Main Cast in the Oilers
When the Edmonton Oilers made a goalie swap in November, it was meant to be a temporary move. Jack Campbell was sent to the minors to clear his mind and find his game, while Calvin Pickard was brought in as a seat-filler at an awards ceremony. However, something unexpected happened along the way. Pickard, who is now 31 years old, found himself in the right place at the right time.
Pickard has exceeded expectations and has become an integral part of the Oilers’ success this season. He has won eight of his 11 starts and has a solid .909 save percentage. His steady performance has impressed GM Ken Holland, who recently stated that he has no plans to make any moves with his goaltenders before the trade deadline.
Pickard’s journey with the Oilers began on November 8 when he was thrust into a supporting role. The team was struggling at the time, having won only two of their first 11 games. Pickard’s positive attitude and hard work quickly earned him the respect of his teammates. He stayed out on the ice after practice to take extra shots from injured players, showing his dedication to improving his game.
Despite some ups and downs in his career, Pickard has always believed in his abilities. He started 48 games for the Colorado Avalanche in the 2016-17 season, displaying his potential as an NHL goalie. However, he faced setbacks and bounced around between teams before finally finding a home with the Oilers.
Pickard’s performance this season has not gone unnoticed. His wife and two daughters have joined him in Edmonton, and they have rented a house to accommodate their family. This second act of Pickard’s NHL career has been nothing short of remarkable, considering the obstacles he has overcome.
Looking ahead, Pickard’s spot on the Oilers seems secure for now. Although he is a pending unrestricted free agent, coach Kris Knoblauch has stated that Pickard’s workload will increase in the coming weeks. With several four-game weeks and back-to-back games remaining in the schedule, Pickard will have more opportunities to prove himself.
From being a temporary fill-in to becoming a valued member of the team, Pickard has come a long way. He has shown that he belongs in the NHL and has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. As he continues to prove himself on the ice, Pickard’s journey with the Oilers is far from over.