Top Oilers insider shares update on immediate future of Calvin Pickard
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Edmonton Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard now holds the worst save percentage in the NHL, but insiders say he's not going anywhere.
After losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets by a score of 5-4 with an .800 save percentage, most Oilers fans and analysts have seen enough from Pickard to move on and find a new goalie - but management isn't.
Oilers insiders say Calvin Pickard is here to stay despite tough start to season
On today's edition of OilersNow, insiders Ryan Rishaug and Bob Stauffer both agreed that Pickard will likely be staying on the roster this year. Only if the Oilers improve their play, and Pickard costs them games, will they move him.
The only way it makes sense to move on from Calvin Pickard is... [if] the team starts playing better and he doesn't and he starts getting in the way of wins.
Pickard needs to pick up his game, he needs to find it, or they might not have a choice but to make some adjustments.
- Ryan Rishaug
Pickard needs to pick up his game, he needs to find it, or they might not have a choice but to make some adjustments.
- Ryan Rishaug
You can well argue the point that as it currently stands, Calvin Pickard is already costing the Oilers wins.
When you're running out the goaltender with the worst save percentage in the NHL, by definition any other goalie is better and would give you more of a chance to win. Currently, Pickard also has -7.43 goals saved above expected.
Oilers teammates clearly love the veteran journeyman backup goalie, but the time has come. With already a weaker starter, the Oilers can't afford to employ the worst backup too.
Despite what Oilers insiders say, the numbers can't be ignored for too much longer. The front office will be forced to make a move quickly to improve the backup goalie position.
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