On Monday, both Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard and Calgary Flames forward Justin Kirkland successfully cleared waivers. This event emerges as both players navigate pivotal moments in their respective seasons.
Calvin Pickard’s Situation with the Oilers
Calvin Pickard, 33, has had a challenging season. He registered a record of 5-6-2 across 16 appearances, with an .871 save percentage and a 3.68 goals-against average. The six-foot-one goalie last played on January 8.
Pickard’s role shifted following the Oilers’ acquisition of Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins in December. Jarry’s performance has been commendable, with a record of 6-3-1 in ten games, an .873 save percentage, and a 3.59 GAA.
Another addition, Connor Ingram, also affected Pickard’s position. After being acquired from the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, Ingram played 11 games in the AHL before joining the Oilers, where he recorded a 6-4-1 record with a .901 save percentage and a 2.55 GAA since his arrival.
Pickard’s Historical Context
Pickard is on the last year of a two-year, $2 million contract, carrying a $1 million cap hit. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.
The Moncton, New Brunswick, native played a critical role during last season’s playoffs. Taking over as the starting goaltender during the first round against the Los Angeles Kings, he helped the team advance to the Stanley Cup final, where they ultimately lost to the Florida Panthers.
Drafted 49th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2010, Pickard holds a career record of 74-77-14 with a .901 save percentage and a 2.96 GAA across multiple teams.
Justin Kirkland Clears Waivers for the Flames
Calgary Flames forward Justin Kirkland, 29, also cleared waivers on Monday. This season, he played in 20 games for the Flames, where he netted one goal and recorded two points. Kirkland additionally saw action in 14 games with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, contributing five goals and seven points.
Kirkland, who stands six-foot-three, signed a one-year, $900,000 deal to remain with the Flames during the off-season. He will also become an unrestricted free agent at the season’s conclusion.
Kirkland’s Background
Joining the Flames as an unrestricted free agent in July 2024, Kirkland was previously drafted 62nd overall by the Nashville Predators in 2014. Over his career, he has achieved three goals and ten points in 50 NHL games across the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, and Flames.
- Calvin Pickard:
- Age: 33
- Record: 5-6-2 in 16 games
- Save percentage: .871
- GAA: 3.68
- Contract: Two-year, $2 million
- Justin Kirkland:
- Age: 29
- Goals this season: 1 in 20 games
- Points: 2 in 20 games
- AHL contribution: 5 goals in 14 games
- Contract: One-year, $900,000
Both players will now await their next steps as they look to solidify their positions within their teams or pursue opportunities elsewhere in the NHL.
