Calvin Pickard, the seasoned goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, returned to practicing with the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League on Tuesday, marking his first session with the team in over two years. Pickard last played for the Condors in November 2023 before being recalled by the Oilers. As the Oilers face evolving challenges in their netminding lineup, Pickard’s experience and status have positioned him as a potential key figure in the team’s roster strategy moving forward.
Despite initial doubts, Pickard became a reliable presence for Edmonton, serving as the secondary option behind Stuart Skinner and contributing significantly during the Oilers’ back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final over the past two seasons. However, with a mid-season reshuffle bringing in goaltenders Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry, Pickard found himself sidelined. Having cleared waivers earlier this month, he was assigned back to Bakersfield, sparking debate about the future of his NHL career with Edmonton.
Agent Highlights Uncertainty in Goaltending Decisions
In a recent Sports 1440 radio interview, Pickard’s agent, Ritch Winter, expressed dissatisfaction with how the Oilers have managed their goaltending situation, noting that it was surprising Pickard was the player relegated. Winter suggested that General Manager Stan Bowman does not necessarily view Connor Ingram or Tristan Jarry as clearly superior options, but rather that head coach Kris Knoblauch holds reservations about Pickard’s role.
This situation is a bit unusual, because in the conversations that I’ve had with Stan, he’s not sure that Calvin is not No. 1,
Winter said.
He just got into a situation where, right now, the coach has got flavours (to choose from), and flavours lemonade and strawberry and is not sure on grape.
?Ritch Winter, Agent
Winter emphasized the minimal statistical difference among the three goalies, highlighting Ingram’s 6-4-1 record with a 2.67 goals-against average (GAA) and a .897 save percentage (SV%) this season, Jarry’s 6-4-1 record with a 3.64 GAA and .870 SV%, and Pickard’s 5-6-2 record with a 3.68 GAA and .871 SV%. Over his entire Oilers career, Pickard boasts a 39-23-4 regular season record, a 2.84 GAA, and an impressive .986 SV%.
There’s not a lot of difference between (Ingram, Jarry, and Pickard); their statistics are very similar,
said Winter.
There’s so many factors that come into winning,
he added, noting the intangible impact Pickard has on the team.
We’ve heard it for two years, every time that Calvin’s in the net, everybody says the guys play better, because they love him, because they want him to succeed. Now that shouldn’t be the case, but it appears to be the case. He’s a glue figure in the dressing room,
Winter continued, recalling how Oilers alternate captain Leon Draisaitl called Pickard
one of the greatest teammates all of us have ever had. You can’t deny the value of that when you get down a couple of games in the playoffs.
?Ritch Winter, Agent
Strong Playoff Performances Reinforce Pickard’s Value
Pickard’s reputation is particularly strong in the playoffs, where his performance has been vital for Edmonton. With an 8-2 postseason record, a 2.72 GAA, and a .896 save percentage, he has famously turned the tide during critical moments. Pickard’s ability to step in when Stuart Skinner struggled helped the Oilers secure pivotal wins during the 2024 postseason against the Vancouver Canucks, and the previous year’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. Impressively, he is undefeated in situations with the Oilers trailing in a series, holding a 4-0 record in such scenarios.
In contrast, the combined playoff success of Ingram and Jarry is limited, with just two wins between them. Ingram has yet to secure a postseason victory with a 0-3 record, while Jarry is 2-6 in his NHL playoff career. These numbers underscore Pickard’s continued reliability under pressure and highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the Oilers’ crease decisions.
Pickard’s Commitment to the Oilers and Future Prospects
Ritch Winter revealed that neither he nor Pickard sought to explore options elsewhere once the possibility of waivers arose. The longtime Oilers goaltender values his strong relationships within the organization and believes the playing field among the Oilers’ netminders is relatively even.
Ultimately, he has a great relationship with the people here, he’s had success here, and everybody thinks there’s not enough differentiation between the three (Oilers goalies) to suggest any other place is a good place to go,
Winter explained.
So we talked about it, Calvin’s pretty level-headed about it, and this is not something that’s unfamiliar to him. It might break another guy, (but) it will just motivate him. And I just said to him, simply, when he went off for his break (during the Olympics) and I went off for mine, let’s just do lunch during the playoffs, because he’ll be here.
?Ritch Winter, Agent
Winter further expressed confidence that Stanley Bowman knows Pickard’s value well and believes the organization remains uncertain about its goaltending direction. According to Winter, Pickard has the best chance for meaningful playing time and playoff success in Edmonton rather than elsewhere.
I think Stan knows this player. I think that they’re not sure what to do in the blue paint, and Calvin’s more likely to play here and have playoff success here than anywhere else. So he’ll do what he has to do, he’s done it in the past, and I don’t think there’s any doubt … because there’s not enough evidence to suggest the other guys are better.
?Ritch Winter, Agent
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Games and Potential Impact
Pickard is anticipated to possibly return to game action with the Bakersfield Condors as early as Friday, February 20, when they face the Calgary Wranglers. The Oilers will resume their NHL schedule following the Olympic break on Wednesday, February 25, with a road game against the Anaheim Ducks. As the Oilers navigate a crowded goalie roster, Pickard’s comeback represents both a challenge and an opportunity for him to reclaim a significant role within the team.
Given his proven record in high-pressure playoff situations and the endorsement from teammates and management, Pickard’s return could influence Edmonton’s goaltending strategy, especially as the postseason approaches. The coming weeks will be critical to determining whether Pickard can reestablish his position and contribute significantly to the Oilers’ pursuit of another Stanley Cup run.
Welcome back to Condorstown, Calvin Pickard!#Condorstown pic.twitter.com/c6EzE7I3ew
— Bakersfield Condors (@Condors) February 17, 2026
The #Oilers have assigned forward Josh Samanski & goaltender Calvin Pickard to the @Condors. pic.twitter.com/SpyZYuZl9j
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 5, 2026
Calvin Pickard's agent Ritch Winter on Pickard being waived: #LetsGoOilers
The Business of Sports on The @JasonGregor Show. Brought to you by Go Auto. pic.twitter.com/hOgqKoAIAG
— Sports 1440 (@Sports1440) February 11, 2026
Can you write an article on what made him such a great teammate? They all say he was a great teammate but it’s not clear why exactly
— the famous autist 🌹 (@thefamousautist) February 2, 2026
