Latest news with #CalvinPickard
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Is this gamble really the right play right now for the goalie-challenged Edmonton Oilers
Article content Hey, if your General Manager is not working hard every day to try and make your team better, he should not be your G.M. Article content But sometimes a bird in the hand in worth two in the bush. Article content Such is the conundrum right now with Edmonton's goaltending. Article content This is an Oilers club that has been to the Stanley Cup Finals back-to-back seasons. Part of the reason they were able to do that was their goaltending tandem. But that was also part of the reason why they pulled up short. Article content Article content The real problem in between the pipes is that your #1 guy has been inconsistent. At times, Stuart Skinner has been brilliant. He has beaten supposedly superior goalies at the other end of the ice and at critical times. And Stu has lots of valuable Stanley Cup Playoff experience at a relatively young age. Yet at other junctures, Skinner has not appeared up to the very biggest task. Article content Article content Now, the irony of this off-season: One option to shore the club up at that position is to replace the other guy. Who by the way…has given you everything you should have reasonably hoped for plus some. In real and significant ways, Calvin Pickard has saved this club's bacon in back-to-back campaigns, both in-season and in the post-season (7-1 this past playoff). Article content But let's try to look at this objectively and set aside the Oilers-coloured glasses: Stuart Skinner shows very strong signs of being an NHL '1-A' but just not with near the consistency you require. Maybe he is really a '1-B'. Calvin Pickard is pretty much everything you want in a fine NHL backup, on and off the ice. But his career trajectory suggests he is not quite the '1-B'. Article content Article content So, if this is not working, what else could be out there? Nothing worth spending the money in in free agency, that's for sure. And there is no mystery #1 NHL goalie lurking around Europe somewhere (here's looking at you, Mikko Koskinen). So, you put your pro scouts to work trying to unearth a diamond in the rough in the AHL. That is what you pay them for. Article content The Oilers had active interest in Artus Silovs in Vancouver. But I am made to understand that the Canucks flat-out refused to deal him to Edmonton. At any price. That is a tough one for Stan Bowman to overcome. It takes two to tango. Article content Another name commonly mentioned is Michael Dipietro, currently the backup in Boston. Terrific AHL numbers. Talented but small but goalie. Would Boston not keep him and move Joonas Korpisalo, instead of risking waivers on the $812,500 guy? Article content Could one of those guys eventually prove to be better than Calvin Pickard? Yeah, I think there is a decent good chance of that. But the whole point is for Stuart Skinner to play better or find someone who can. Not get a better backup.
New York Times
25-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
If the Oilers seek a goalie, here are their best trade and free agent options
The Edmonton Oilers, on the cusp of winning the Stanley Cup in consecutive years, are going to have to make changes to accomplish their goal. Goaltending is the most obvious area to address. Oilers GM Stan Bowman said last week that the position is being evaluated closely, after Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard rotated through the crease during a six-game Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers. With the offseason underway, the clock is ticking for deciding how to proceed. Advertisement The one major benefit of the Skinner-Pickard duo is salary. At $2.6 million and $1 million, respectively, and with another year on each of their deals, they present a cheap tandem that is ideal when it comes to flexibility for building out the rest of the roster. They each won seven games in the postseason run, also. However, neither posted a save percentage above .900 in the regular season or playoffs. Both were in the red when it came to goals saved above expected in all situations through the four rounds this spring. The position was perhaps the Oilers' weakest. Unless Bowman unexpectedly opts to run Skinner and Pickard back again, he'll have to choose with whom to part — a decision that might depend on which goalie is added, and that new goalie's salary-cap hit. The Oilers have just under $12 million in cap space, per PuckPedia, but that's without re-signing forward Trent Frederic or defenseman Evan Bouchard. Those collective contracts could cost the Oilers more than that, so they must be prepared to move out money – on top of Skinner or Pickard – to bring in a new goalie. Let's get into the options, including potential trade targets and the sparse free-agent class. A regular on every trade board for the last few years, the Anaheim Ducks' John Gibson is the obvious place to start. The main reason he has yet to be traded likely is his contract, but that is becoming more palatable by the year. Not only does Gibson only have two years left at this point, his $6.4 million cap hit also looks less daunting with the rising salary cap. The understanding is Gibson isn't actively looking to be traded from Anaheim, but he wouldn't be upset if he were moved to a contender. We're talking about a talented goalie with more than 500 NHL games who hasn't played in the playoffs in seven years. He's only 31 years old and he showed last season he still has it, stopping 11.71 goals above expected with a .911 save percentage in 28 starts. Advertisement Yes, Gibson battled injuries throughout the season. It started with an emergency appendectomy in September, and he exited the lineup with injuries on several occasions during the season. When he was on the ice, though, Gibson was excellent. He hasn't shown any signs of slowing down to this point, still playing his aggressive style with his heels often at the top of his crease. Gibson still covers the bottom of the net well. He's quick to drop to his butterfly, which can be a bit of a fault at times, but it helps him more often than not. He's an athletic goalie who relies on reactions more than perfect techniques, but his post integrations did look much smoother and more natural this season, showing he's still improving facets of his game, even 12 years into his NHL career. This save on Pittsburgh's Erik Karlsson in late January is a good snapshot of Gibson's style, and evidence that he still has the lateral explosion required to play it. He recognized the three-on-one rush developing and jumped way outside his crease. Not only does Gibson tend to play with more aggressive depth than most, he also likes to play rush chances with a lot of back flow (slowly creeping back toward the net as the puck approaches). That back flow gives Gibson momentum, allowing him to spring across laterally in the event of a pass much quicker than he would be able to from a standstill with his feet set. These tendencies are worth pointing out because they could be an excellent fit behind the Oilers' defense. Edmonton plays a layered zone scheme which emphasizes taking away passes through the middle of the ice. Eliminating those cross-seam passes only gives a goalie with aggressive depth more confidence to challenge shots without worrying about being beaten by a lateral pass. A big reason why Gibson's stats slipped so dramatically over the past several years prior to 2024-25 was that Anaheim's defense was particularly bad at eliminating those plays. The Ducks have ranked in the bottom five in high-danger chances allowed in eight of the last nine seasons, and ranked dead last this past season. The last time Anaheim ranked in the top half in that stat was in 2015-16, when it ranked 12th in the NHL. Gibson won the Jennings Trophy for the fewest goals allowed that season and received Vezina Trophy votes. Advertisement This season, Edmonton allowed the fewest high-danger chances of any team in the league. Playing behind the Oilers' dependable defense could allow Gibson to play his aggressive style more freely. It's not likely at this age, but there's an outside chance we could even see the best version of Gibson we've ever seen. Throw in the fact that Gibson's athleticism gives him a ceiling we haven't seen from an Oilers goalie in quite some time. That's the type of playoff game-stealing potential they are desperately seeking. The major issue for the Oilers, aside from Gibson's injury history, is the cap hit. To bring in Gibson at full freight, they'd probably have to move out Skinner, Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson without taking back any money — and then they would have little to fill out their forward ranks. Let's start by saying that despite his injury history and the long-term contract given to Kevin Lankinen, it still doesn't make a lot of sense for the Canucks to trade Thatcher Demko at the moment. Vancouver still has him under contract for one more season, and the Vezina-caliber potential Demko clearly possesses when healthy is worth waiting for. Allowing this season to play out, to see if he can still play at that level for an extended period, seems like an easy choice for the Canucks. However, if there's any interest in moving on from him, the Oilers should be calling and not hanging up until the deal is done. Goalies like Demko simply don't become available very often. The chance to add a real difference-maker in net far outweighs the obvious injury risk. Demko would give Edmonton a goalie capable of singlehandedly winning games, to a degree even Gibson doesn't offer. Demko regularly ranks near the top of the league in high-danger save percentage and has a unique combination of size, athleticism and skating ability that allows him to make saves only he can make. This past season was a lost year for Demko. He began it on the injured reserve, dealt with setbacks and never found his rhythm, but he's still only a year removed from finishing as the runner-up in Vezina voting. Advertisement The injury problems should provide cause for hesitation here for the Oilers. They'd be wise to retain Skinner if the Canucks were even willing to deal the 29-year-old to a hated division rival, because it's likely they would need someone to play at least 35 games behind him. Demko's $5 million cap hit cap hit is a bit more manageable than Gibson's price tag. The single year limits the risk as well. Beyond the top two names, the potential goalie trade market thins out quickly. There are three veteran options — all in the middle of long-term contracts viewed as above their market value — who could be available. Columbus' Elvis Merzlikins, Pittsburgh's Tristan Jarry and Boston's Joonas Korpisalo have all shown stretches of excellence. They've also all seen considerable dips in their performance since signing their contracts. Merzlikins has posted a sub-.900 save percentage in three straight seasons and has allowed 33.98 goals above expected since 2020. He's a highly competitive goalie with scorching hot streaks, but those stretches haven't happened nearly often enough lately in Columbus. It's hard to envision the Oilers bringing in Merzlikins without the Blue Jackets eating some of the $5.4 million cap hit over two years. Jarry is almost the exact opposite. He's typically cool, calm and collected in the net and has a lengthy resume of above-average netminding, but he's also coming off the worst season of his career, in which he was actually waived to the American Hockey League for a stretch in mid-January. The Penguins would have to retain some money, given the $5.375 million cap hit for two more seasons. Jarry has worked with Oilers goalie coach Dustin Schwartz, so the organization would have some familiarity with him. After a disastrous 2023-24 in Ottawa, Korpisalo bounced back with a solid debut season with the Boston Bruins last year. He wasn't spectacular, with a .893 save percentage, but he put up superior statistics compared to Jeremy Swayman in 24 starts. Considering that the Senators are still retaining $1 million per season for the remaining three years on his deal, his $3 million cap hit is a bit lower than the other options. The Oilers know him well, having faced him in the 2023 playoffs when he was a Los Angeles King. Pyotr Kochetkov proved in 2024-25 that he's capable of handling a bigger workload, starting 47 games for Carolina while starter Frederik Andersen was out. He fared well in those starts, and showed a lot of promise – especially considering he's only 25 years old. Advertisement Then, in the playoffs, Carolina showed it still clearly prefers Andersen as its starter, then signed the veteran to a one-year, $2.75 million contract extension in May. Considering Andersen's age and the fact that he hasn't started more than 33 games in the last three years, it's unlikely the Hurricanes are looking to deal Kochetkov, but they might listen to offers. After all, Carolina did trade Alex Nedeljkovic after his spectacular rookie season in 2021. St. Louis' Joel Hofer is another young backup goalie who is trending positively and could be ready for more responsibility, but is stuck behind an entrenched starter. Jordan Binnington has now strung together two excellent seasons in a row, suggesting the hand-off to Hofer may be delayed longer than initially anticipated. That, combined with Hofer's contract status — he's a restricted free agent in need of a major raise from his previous cap hit of only $775,000 — could mean the Blues are willing to listen to offers. He's only 24 years old, moves well for a big, blocking-style goalie and is an excellent puckhandler. Blues GM Doug Armstrong sure doesn't sound like someone who's interested in letting Hofer go, though. Both Kochetkov and Hofer have upside, maybe even significant upside, but it seems like it would be asking a lot of either to backstop a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. Bringing in one of them means that having an experienced and capable goalie to work in a tandem is a must. Prior to the beginning of last season, the 2025 goalie free agent class was looking bountiful. Then Igor Shesterkin, Joey Daccord, Mackenzie Blackwood, Logan Thompson, Charlie Lindgren, Karel Vejmelka and Adin Hill all signed long-term extensions. General managers across the league anticipated a desolate free-agent market for starting netminders and locked theirs up early. Of the available unrestricted free agents, veteran Jake Allen had the best 2024-25 season by a big margin. The 34-year-old had arguably the most impressive season of his 12-year career statistically, stopping an impressive 19.07 goals above expected. He's an ultra-reliable backup, and he came up big for New Jersey with a fantastic stretch of play in February when Jacob Markstrom was out with an MCL sprain. Is Allen an upgrade as a starter for Edmonton? Unlikely. Does he make any team feel more comfortable with their goaltending room as a whole? Unquestionably. That might be the ticket for the Oilers, given the dearth of options, especially if they feel confident enough to keep the 26-year-old Skinner around for at least one more season. Advertisement Detroit's Alex Lyon and Vegas' Ilya Samsonov are the only other free agents who could be seen as upgrades as a No. 2. Neither had particularly great seasons, but they're both proven commodities at this point and have shown the ability to play at a high level for limited stretches. (Photo of John Gibson: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oilers GM Defends Team Goalies After Second Stanley Cup Loss
Oilers GM Defends Team Goalies After Second Stanley Cup Loss originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Edmonton Oilers fell short in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year to the Florida Panthers, but general manager Stan Bowman isn't blaming the crease. Advertisement Despite a postseason save percentage of .888 across Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, Bowman argued that Edmonton's goaltending gave them an edge in three of four rounds. "Just this playoff run is a perfect example," Bowman said. "In three of the four rounds, we had better goaltending than our opponent. You look at (Los Angeles Kings' Darcy) Kuemper, (Vegas Golden Knights goalie) Adin Hill, and (Dallas Stars' Jake) Oettinger, our goalies were better than theirs in each of those series." "I think that's the reason we went to the final." Edmonton's tandem was outplayed by Florida Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky in the Final, and Bowman acknowledged his greatness. Advertisement "I'm not disputing that in the final Bobrovsky was excellent," Bowman said. "He made a lot of big saves when we had chances early in games, and we didn't get the lead." "Credit to him, or our players needed to pick the corners better. Like, it's one of the two." Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) congratulates goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 at T-Mobile R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images For those asking for a change between the Oilers' pipes, Bowman pointed to the limited supply of elite options league-wide as the reason it's going to be hard to upgrade in net. 'The way the reality of the world is, it's not like you just go down to the corner and pick up an elite goalie,' Bowman said. 'They're not just waiting for you to join your team, right? How many are there anyway in that group?' Advertisement The general manager, however, admitted changes will happen and impact the roster, mostly regarding the forward lines and possibly the goalie rotation. 'We're going to examine not just our goalies, but our whole team,' Bowman said. 'It could involve the goaltending, it could not.' Related: NHL Makes Historic Connor McDavid Announcement Amid Stanley Cup Final Related: Brad Marchand Thanks 18 Teams for Helping Panthers Win Stanley Cup This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What was up with the goalie stare down before Game 4? Panthers' Vanecek, Oilers' Pickard explain
It's not every day goaltender warmup routines become a story. But it certainly became one in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. As the teams took the ice pregame at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday, Florida Panthers backup goaltender Vitek Vanecek locked eyes with Edmonton Oilers starter Stuart Skinner at the red line between the team's benches. Eventually, Edmonton's Calvin Pickard got in on the fun as well, making it a two-on-one stare down before they ultimately went their separate ways. So ... what exactly happened? 'I was just doing my routine,' Vanecek said, 'and then [Pickard] said 'if I want to go stretch with him.' I said 'no, I'm good, I like this side.'' Has this always been Vanecek's routine? 'It's a new one,' he said. 'For this series.' Pickard, who entered in relief for Skinner following the first period on Thursday, confirmed that's how things unfolded. 'It's nothing,' Pickard said. 'I just went over there asking, because he's just, I don't know, I think he's trying to get into [Skinner's] head. But it really wasn't anything. Obviously, the cameras, you can't hide out there. You guys are making it be a bit of a story, but I was just asking if he wanted to stretch next to me. He said, 'No.' I said, 'That's OK.'' Vanecek was able to appreciate how Pickard handled himself after being thrust into Game 4. Florida built a 3-0 lead against Skinner in the first period before Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch made the change. Pickard then went on to stop 22 of 23 shots he faced as Edmonton rallied to win 5-4 in overtime. 'It's always tough. He's an old guy, a lot of experience, and then he come into the game. He played great. I think that's something special for him.' Pickard will be back in net for Edmonton for Game 5 on Saturday at Edmonton's Rogers Place, with the best-of-7 series tied 2-2. Will another stare down ensue? 'I don't have much routine there,' Pickard said. 'I'll be probably facing our end.'
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oilers not committing to starting goalie for Game 6 vs. Panthers
The post Oilers not committing to starting goalie for Game 6 vs. Panthers appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Edmonton Oilers are officially on the ropes after a disastrous performance in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers on Saturday night. Despite playing in front of their home crowd, the Oilers were never in the game as the Panthers raced to a 5-2 victory to move within one win of a repeat. Advertisement Before the game, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch made a shocking change to the Edmonton lineup, inserting Calvin Pickard back in goal in place of Stuart Skinner. Pickard had a strong finish to Game 4 after coming in for Skinner in relief, but Game 5 did not go his way. Pickard allowed four goals on just 18 shots on Saturday night, making 14 saves in the process. He was pulled for an extra skater with about five minutes to go, but it wasn't enough to complete the comeback. After the game, Knoblauch would not commit to a starter for Tuesday's do-or-die Game 6 in Florida, via Gerry Moddejonge of 'That's a conversation with the staff, obviously our goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz, but with all the assistants and general manager to kind of weigh in with how everyone feels and what's best moving forward,' Knoblauch said. 'And it's not an easy decision.' Advertisement Statistically, there isn't much between Skinner and Pickard this postseason. Both are hovering right around an 89% save percentage and are giving up just a shade under three goals per game, so the stats make it hard to differentiate between the two. Skinner has had the higher highs in these playoffs, with three shutout performances. However, it's hard to argue with Pickard's 7-1 record, so Knoblauch and his staff have some tough decisions to make before Game 6. Regardless, the Oilers are still just two wins away from getting revenge on the Panthers and lifting the Stanley Cup. However, their margin for error is now completely gone, and they have to find a way to flip the script as the Panthers have been in control for a majority of the five games so far. Whether changing goaltenders or not helps that remains to be seen, but it will be an uphill climb for the Oilers regardless if they want to come back. Related: How Panthers' Brad Marchand had Oilers star 'feeling s****y' Related: Panthers' Sam Bennett reveals key to Game 5 masterpiece vs. Oilers
