Monday Mailbag: Will Calvin Pickard be the Oilers’ starter for the playoffs?
As the NHL regular season begins to wind down and the playoffs draw closer, one question seems to be on the minds of Edmonton Oilers fans: will Calvin Pickard be the starting goaltender for the team when the postseason begins?
This question is far from simple, and it requires a closer look at several factors, including the Oilers’ goaltending situation, Pickard’s performance, the team’s overall outlook, and how the coaching staff might make their decision. In this Monday Mailbag, we’ll dive into these elements and explore the possibility of Pickard assuming the starting role in Edmonton’s playoff run.
The Goaltending Situation in Edmonton
The Edmonton Oilers have, for the most part, been a strong team in recent seasons, particularly thanks to their offensive prowess, headlined by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, one area that has consistently been under scrutiny is the team’s goaltending. Goaltending is often considered the most volatile position in hockey, and the Oilers have experienced a mix of success and struggles in net in recent years.
For the majority of the 2024-2025 season, the Oilers’ goaltending duties have largely been shared by two players: Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner.
Jack Campbell was signed to a five-year, $25 million contract in the summer of 2022, with high expectations. His past success with the Toronto Maple Leafs led many to believe that he could be a key piece for the Oilers. However, Campbell has struggled with consistency in Edmonton. His save percentage has often hovered around the league average, and his performances have been inconsistent at times, leading to some doubts about his ability to carry the load in the postseason.
Stuart Skinner, on the other hand, has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Oilers. After an impressive rookie season in 2022-2023, Skinner had an even better start to the 2024-2025 season, establishing himself as a capable and reliable netminder. Despite his youth and lack of playoff experience, many had hoped that Skinner would take over as the starter for the playoffs, given his strong play during the regular season.
However, injuries, slumps, and inconsistent play from both Campbell and Skinner have left the door open for other options. That’s where Calvin Pickard comes into play.
Who is Calvin Pickard?
For those unfamiliar, Calvin Pickard is a veteran goaltender who has spent the majority of his NHL career bouncing between various teams, often serving as a backup or playing in limited appearances. He was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the 2010 NHL Draft and has since played for a variety of teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and more recently, the Edmonton Oilers.
Pickard’s reputation as a reliable backup and emergency goaltender has kept him in the NHL conversation, but he has never been a full-time starter. His career has been marked by brief stints as a starter, usually under less-than-ideal circumstances, and his numbers reflect that. However, in recent seasons, Pickard has found himself playing more often in the AHL, where his performances have been solid.
This season, however, Pickard has managed to turn heads with his play at the NHL level.
Pickard’s Performance in 2024-2025
Calvin Pickard has had a relatively small sample size in 2024-2025, but his performance has been noteworthy. In limited games, he has demonstrated impressive composure in net, with solid positioning and good rebound control. Pickard’s ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations has been a key asset for the Oilers, particularly as both Campbell and Skinner have struggled with consistency.
While it’s easy to dismiss Pickard’s ability to handle the spotlight in a playoff series given his lack of experience, there’s something to be said for the fact that he has been solid when called upon. His ability to come into games without skipping a beat and deliver quality starts could give head coach Jay Woodcroft the confidence to rely on him in big games.
Factors That Could Influence the Decision
- Team Play in Front of the Goaltender:
The Oilers’ success in the playoffs will not solely depend on who is in net; the overall team play in front of the goaltender will be critical. If the defense continues to struggle, no goaltender will succeed at a high level. However, if the Oilers can tighten up defensively and limit scoring chances, it will ease the burden on whichever goaltender is chosen to start. If Pickard continues to perform well in a limited role, the team’s defensive improvements could give him a more favorable chance to succeed.
- Playoff Experience:
One of the most significant factors in determining who will start in the playoffs is experience. Goaltenders with extensive playoff experience often perform better in high-pressure situations. Unfortunately for Pickard, his playoff resume is nearly non-existent. He has played in only one NHL playoff game (with the Colorado Avalanche in 2014) and has largely been a backup during his career. In contrast, both Campbell and Skinner have had more experience in high-stakes games, though neither has had the chance to prove themselves as reliable postseason starters.
That being said, experience is not always a determinant of success, especially for a player like Pickard, who has been around the league for a long time and has a wealth of experience in different roles. If the team believes in his ability to perform under pressure, it could give him a chance.
- The Need for Consistency:
The Oilers have struggled with consistency in net all season. While both Skinner and Campbell have shown the ability to perform at a high level, their fluctuating play has raised doubts about their reliability. If Pickard can maintain his current form and remain consistent, he could be seen as the most reliable option for the Oilers when the games matter most. Consistency might be the most important factor in the playoff race, and if Pickard can prove he’s the most dependable goaltender down the stretch, he could very well earn the starting job.
- Coaching Decisions:
Jay Woodcroft has a tough decision ahead. He’ll need to carefully weigh the potential for each goaltender to thrive in the postseason. Historically, Woodcroft has shown a willingness to give opportunities to players who have earned them, but he also has a keen sense of when to ride with an experienced player. If the Oilers are looking for stability in net, they may lean towards Skinner or Campbell, who have proven themselves over the course of the season.
However, Woodcroft might look at the situation and decide that Pickard’s recent performances warrant a shot, especially if the other goaltenders have been struggling in the final stretch leading into the playoffs.
- Matchups and Team Chemistry:
As we’ve seen in many playoff series, the matchups can make or break a team’s postseason run. If the Oilers face off against a team with an explosive offense, they might lean toward a goaltender who can handle high-volume shots and fast-paced play. On the other hand, if they face a team with a slower, more deliberate style, they might opt for a goaltender who can maintain positioning and minimize mistakes.
Team chemistry will also play a key role in the decision. If the Oilers are confident in Pickard’s ability to work well with the defense and stay steady under pressure, it could influence their choice.
Conclusion: Is Calvin Pickard the Oilers’ Starting Goaltender for the Playoffs?
At this point in time, it’s impossible to say definitively whether Calvin Pickard will be the Edmonton Oilers’ starting goaltender for the playoffs. The decision will likely come down to a combination of factors, including Pickard’s play down the stretch, the team’s overall performance, and how the coaching staff evaluates the competition in net.
While Pickard has shown promise, both Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have more experience with the team, and their previous performances in the regular season cannot be discounted. The Oilers’ management and coaching staff will be closely monitoring each goaltender’s play as the regular season winds down and will need to make a decision that gives the team the best chance for postseason success.
The Oilers’ path to the playoffs will not be solely determined by their goaltender, but having a steady, reliable presence in net will undoubtedly play a significant role in their success. If Pickard can continue to impress and prove he can handle the pressure, he could very well find himself as the starting goaltender when the Oilers begin their playoff push.
It may come down to how the team performs collectively, but as of now, the door is certainly open for Calvin Pickard to step up and claim the starting role in Edmonton’s quest for a deep playoff run.
