NHL Goalie Moves: Canadiens Decisions & Oilers’ Pickard Waiver News

The Edmonton Oilers’ handling of veteran goaltender Calvin Pickard has raised eyebrows across the NHL, but a closer look reveals a strategic maneuver rather than a slight to a respected teammate. After placing Pickard on waivers February 2nd, the Oilers were met with surprise when he cleared, avoiding a potential claim by another team.

The initial move, announced on Sunday, sparked speculation about Pickard’s future with the organization. However, reports indicate the Oilers’ intention wasn’t to sever ties with the 34-year-old netminder, but rather to navigate the complexities of roster management and the upcoming Olympic break. As Elliotte Friedman first reported, the Oilers veteran backup was not claimed by another NHL team.

“I think I speak for everyone in here. He’s one of the greatest teammates all of us have had,” said Leon Draisaitl, underscoring Pickard’s value within the Oilers’ locker room. This sentiment was echoed throughout the team, highlighting the difficult decision to even consider placing him on waivers. Pickard’s contributions last season, particularly in stabilizing the team’s playoff hopes, were widely acknowledged.

The Oilers currently have Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram as their NHL goaltenders. In the AHL, the Bakersfield Condors already feature Connor Ungar and Matt Tomkins. Adding Pickard to that mix, regardless of league, created a crease logjam. The waiver placement allowed the Oilers flexibility, ensuring they could reassign Pickard to the AHL without immediately losing him to another team.

The situation was further clarified by Jason Gregor of Sports 1440, who explained that the Oilers often place players on waivers with no immediate intention of sending them down, but to retain the option to do so quickly if needed, bypassing the 24-hour wait period. Gregor also reported that Pickard is expected to remain with the team during the break, as he has a planned family trip.

The move drew criticism from some NHL analysts, who argued the Oilers were disrespecting a veteran player by denying him the opportunity to enjoy the Olympic break. The Missin’ Curfew podcast, for example, called it a “bad decision” and a breach of the unwritten code of the NHL. However, these critiques were based on a misunderstanding of the Oilers’ plan. Pickard will, in fact, receive his Olympic break, with the AHL assignment delayed until after the games.

While some fans and analysts questioned the necessity of sending Pickard to the minors at all, the Oilers faced a practical constraint: they couldn’t maintain three goaltenders on the NHL roster without sacrificing roster flexibility and potentially impacting their salary cap situation. The decision, while unpopular with some, was ultimately a pragmatic one.

The Oilers’ handling of Pickard’s situation also highlights the challenges teams face in balancing competitive needs with player loyalty. Pickard’s value extends beyond his on-ice performance; he’s a respected leader and a positive influence in the locker room. The Oilers recognized this and structured the waiver move to minimize disruption to his personal life and maintain his connection to the organization.

The Canadiens were reportedly weighing their options regarding Pickard, according to reports, but ultimately did not submit a claim. This leaves the door open for a potential trade down the line, but for now, Pickard remains within the Oilers’ system. The team clearly values his experience and professionalism, and his future role will likely depend on the evolving needs of both the NHL and AHL rosters.

The clearing of waivers doesn’t necessarily signal the end of Pickard’s NHL career, or even his time with the Oilers. It’s a procedural step that allows the team to manage its roster effectively while ensuring Pickard receives the time off he deserves. The situation underscores the often-complex and nuanced decisions teams must make behind the scenes, balancing competitive strategy with the human element of the game.

As the NHL season progresses and teams adjust to injuries and changing dynamics, the Oilers will continue to evaluate their goaltending situation. Pickard’s ability to contribute at both the NHL and AHL levels makes him a valuable asset, and his future with the organization remains a storyline worth watching.