The Real Reason the Oilers Brought Back Calvin Pickard

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The Real Reason the Oilers Brought Back Calvin Pickard

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Apr 18, 2026 11:01 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers recalled goaltender Calvin Pickard on Friday, and he was at practice that morning, skating with the team and taking part in drills. Does that mean he’s likely to play in playoff games? Some fans thought so, given how much Tristan Jarry has struggled since returning from injury. Not so fast. It’s not how that works this time of year.

Pickard is not eligible to play in games unless an injury or emergency situation allows the Oilers to activate a third goalie. As it stands, the NHL only allows teams to call up a third goalie who can travel with the team, skate at practices, and be involved in pretty much everything but games. They, including Pickard, cannot play.

Connor Ingram and Jarry are both healthy. Because the NHL allows for a third goaltender to be recalled on an emergency basis, Pickard will serve that role.

That doesn’t mean he won’t have value.

Pickard Around the Oilers During the Playoffs Means A Lot

Knoblauch understands the value of Pickard being back with the team, even if he doesn’t play.

“We were disappointed when he had to leave. Obviously, we made the decision to beef up our goaltending situation. Unfortunately for him, he was the odd guy out, which was really unfair for him because I believe we played some of our worst hockey in front of him, which didn’t help his situation. Now at this point in the year, I believe every NHL team has three goaltenders and he was our guys right from the start that we were going to call up. I know how popular he is and how much he means to this room. He is a glue guy and it’s definitely nice having him back. There’s been a lot of smiles, just with interactions with him.”

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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