Edmonton Oilers could waive Calvin Pickard to give next best option a shot

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Patrick Frost
December 29, 2024 (8:38 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers are coming off arguably their worst weekend of hockey all season, and all signs point to a potential roster shakeup.

It is already documented that Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is contemplating a change regarding the teams back up goaltender, and a shift could be on the horizon soon.

While Calvin Pickard was one of the only silver-linings of the game, but his alarming trend of allowing at least one soft goal per game continues. Pickard finished the game with a .870 SP.

Time to call up Olivier Rodrigue from the Bakersfield Condors?

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, 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.

"Maybe the Oilers should waive Pickard and give Olivier Rodrigue a chance? He is top 10 in the AHL in save percentage and GAA. What more does he have to do to get a shot as a backup with Edmonton?

-Karman Gill

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Olivier Rodrigue was drafted in the second round by the Oilers in 2018, and has spent the last 5 seasons developing into a very successful goaltender at the AHL level.

While the idea of waiving Calvin Pickard may not sit well with some fans, Olivier Rodrigue is proving to everyone he's NHL ready, and perhaps it's time to give him some serious consideration.

POLL
DECEMBRE 29 \| 509 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers could waive Calvin Pickard to give next best option a shot Do you think it's time Olivier Rodrigue gets a chance with the team?
Yes	390	76.6 %
No	119	23.4 %
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