Two NHL players placed on waivers on Feb. 1

Pickard is part of a goaltending group in Edmonton that has quickly become full over the past few weeks. When Tristan Jarry was placed on long-term injured reserve last month, the Oilers called up Connor Ingram from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, to share the net with Pickard. Ingram has proven to be a solid asset for the Oilers, going 6-3-1 in 11 starts with the team. With Jarry returning to the lineup, the team has decided to keep only two goaltenders on the NHL roster, leading to Pickard’s placement on waivers.

The 33-year-old has certainly struggled compared to the past two years, when he was a crucial part of Edmonton getting to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, especially in the playoffs when Stuart Skinner slipped up. In 16 games thus far, Pickard is just 5-6-2, with a 3.68 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage.

If Pickard clears on Monday, he could be assigned to Bakersfield, which would mark his first appearance in the AHL since the 2023-24 season.

The Moncton, N.B. native is in the second season of his two-year contract, which carries an AAV of $1 million. In 191 regular-season games in the NHL, Pickard is 74-77-14 with a 2.96 GAA, a .901 SV% and five shutouts. In 13 playoff games with Edmonton, he’s 802 with a 2.72 GAA and .892 SV%.

Kirkland has been back and forth between the Flames and the Wranglers, their top farm team. In 20 games with the big club, the 29-year-old has a goal and an assist. In 14 games with the Wranglers, he has posted five goals and two assists for seven points.

Kirkland is on a one-year contract with the Flames, with the deal carrying an NHL cap hit of $900,000.