Oilers Reporter reveals the mindset of Oilers backup goalie Calvin Pickard this season

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Ryan Hall
September 23, 2024 (9:19 PM)

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Edmonton Journal Oilers reporter Jim Matheson spoke with Oilers backup goaltender Calvin Pickard about his newfound security with the Oilers and how he prepares for the new season.

The opportunity opened for Pickard after the Oilers saw the Jack Campbell signing completely disintegrate in front of their eyes and was forced to send him back to Bakersfield while holding a $5,000,000 cap hit.

Pickard, who is now 32 years old has been through his share of teams throughout his career, but he made his mark with the Oilers while assisting Stuart Skinner in load management and played 23 games last year. His stats line was 2.45 goals against and his save percentage of .909. Solid numbers for a backup goaltender.

He gave his thoughts to Matheson as he expressed his enjoyment playing for the Oilers and his relationship with Skinner. His solid play especially when Skinner had some off nights awarded him a two-year contract with a cap hit of $1 million per year.

«It's exciting. I didn't want to be anywhere else,»

«With a tandem you want a good relationship obviously and we're a good support
system for each other. We're really good friends,» said Pickard

Pickard also expressed how he prepares himself for a season and that every year he never takes for granted and that he always must prove himself to others as he has done throughout his entire career. He was drafted in 2010 by the Colorado Avalanche, in the second-round 19th pick overall. He has played for six NHL organizations which include the Avalanche, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Coyotes, Red
Wings and the Oilers.

«You never want to take a day for granted. Coming up (minors) and fighting for my life every single day, that's what I do. Nothing changes even with a two-year contract. My mindset never changes. I always have to prove myself,» he said.

This view on how he works himself is a testament to why the Oilers have put their trust in him to being the number 2 goaltender as the team prepares for another season and another run at the Stanley Cup.

It's clear that the Oilers have confidence in his ability and now it's a matter of him putting the work in and showing them that he was the right choice.

Source: Edmonton Journal

Oilers notebook: Pickard locked in and ready to be Stuart Skinner's backup