Oilers Goalie May Be Placed on Waivers to Give Chance to New Goaltender
The Edmonton Oilers just dropped an extremely disappointing loss to the Anaheim Ducks, which may increase the appetite for a change in net.
The Oilers players surely didn't play well enough to win the game, but General Manager Stan Bowman is already said to be considering a change with the backup goaltender.
Calvin Pickard made some incredible saves at times to keep the Oilers in it, but some goals he allowed were save-able, and he ended the game with an .870 save percentage.
Plenty of Oilers fans are looking at their top AHL goalie Olivier Rodrigue, believing it's time to give him a chance.
The 32 year old backup goalie Pickard would have to be placed on waivers, but because he has two years on his contract, he'd likely clear. Olivier Rodrigue has been an impressive prospect for years now, and it seems it's time to give him a shot.
Edmonton Oilers Should Call Up Olivier Rodrigue, Place Calvin Pickard on Waivers
The Edmonton Oilers are still ranking in the bottom ten for most team goaltending stats, something that needs to improve to be a real Stanley Cup contender.
It would then make sense that GM Stan Bowman may want to pursue an upgrade to the crease, just to serve as insurance for injury or poor play.
Oilers analyst Alan Mitchell has connected Edmonton to acquiring a goalie like Jonathan Quick, and while that may be a good move, the smart thing to do would be giving a chance to the internal option first.
Olivier Rodrigue was selected by the Oilers in the second round of the 2018 draft, and has now seasoned for 5 seasons in the AHL.
In the last two seasons he's ranked as a top 10 goalie in league save percentage, and this year Rodrigue has been fantastic with a .921 save percentage in 17 games.
The Oilers may have to make a move to evaluate their internal option in Rodrigue before they make any other goalie trades. After today's brutal loss, maybe Stan Bowman has seen enough to make a decision.
