Calvin Pickard reveals personal feelings around Stuart Skinner trade, emotional hug in last game
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Speaking to Sportsnet following Sunday night's loss to the Habs, Oilers' goalie Calvin Pickard revealed his feelings concerning the loss of goal-partner and friend Stuart Skinner to the Pens.
Following the trade, there was some speculation that Pickard might have known that Skinner was leaving, given the unusual length of their hugs following recent games.
Goalie confesses post-game hugs not telling
«No,» admitted Pickard on Sunday. «We were just screwing around with everybody.
Because after the first (hug) that happened - it was a long one, because I was so mad at letting that goal in with four seconds left, and we won 9-4 - and then you guys read into it too much. Then we were screwing around there after the next two wins.
It doesn't look like we were screwing around, obviously, with (a trade) happening. But that was the truth.»
Because after the first (hug) that happened - it was a long one, because I was so mad at letting that goal in with four seconds left, and we won 9-4 - and then you guys read into it too much. Then we were screwing around there after the next two wins.
It doesn't look like we were screwing around, obviously, with (a trade) happening. But that was the truth.»
Except, when you're close to the action, you get a sense of what's coming down the pike. He may not have known the specifics about a trader at that point, but the writing was on the wall.
Having said this, Pickard lost his friends in the deal and was sad to see them go; but he understands the business-end of the game.
«Obviously, I've been through this. I've been in pro hockey for a long time,» Pickard said. «It's definitely felt weird. You know, Skins and Cooley (Brett Kulak) just leave in the blink of an eye. Two big parts of our team since I've been here. Two good friends.»
The Oilers and Penguins next faceoff on Tuesday, when we'll likely see Tristan Jarry versus Stuart Skinner.
That will make for some good drama.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 831 ANSWERS Calvin Pickard reveals personal feelings around Stuart Skinner trade, emotional hug in last game Did Edmonton make the right move by bringing in Tristan Jarry? | ||
| yes | 675 | 81.2 % |
| no | 156 | 18.8 % |
| List of polls | ||