Oilers GM directly answers Calvin Pickard's future with team after Skinner trade

The Oilers dealt Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak to the Penguins for Jarry. It's surprising to see the Oilers move on from the younger and better goalie first, while Pickard has been one of the worst goalies in the NHL this year.

Stan Bowman spoke to media after today's goalie trade, and confirmed that Pickard will be staying with the team.

Frankly, this does not make sense and won't be the case for much longer. If the Oilers are serious enough about improving their goaltending to pull the trigger on today's trade, they can't ignore the results from Pickard.

The 33 year old career backup journeyman goalie has posted a brutal .851 save percentage this season. He ranks 78th out of 81 goalies to play this season.

Not only that, but the Oilers made another trade this season for Pickard's replacement. Connor Ingram has been racking up time in the minors, but has put up a lowly .868 save percentage through 10 games. Regardless, he has promise as a former NHL starter, and he will be given a chance.

The Oilers locker room reportedly make a direct request to the GM to keep Pickard on the roster, but it seems like their patience has run out with the goaltending. The time is now to make the necessary improvements, and that includes Pickard.

NHL insiders have also reported previously the Oilers could change out their whole goalie tandem this year. Given Pickard's numbers, the call-up for Ingram should be inevitable.

We'll see how much longer Pickard remains with the team, but for the time being, there's not another move coming imminently.