The Edmonton Oilers have their goaltending tandem locked in for the 2024-25 season.
Backup goaltender Calvin Pickard re-signed with Edmonton on a two-year, $2 million extension.
ESPN’s Kevin Weekes first reported that both sides were closing in on an extension, while Frank Seravalli reported that it comes with a $1 million average annual value.
Pickard took over the backup job this season going a 12-7-1 record in 23 games played with a 2.45 goals against average and a .909 save percentage.
He also started two games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the team looking to give Stuart Skinner a rest, going 1-1 with a 2.21 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.
Edmonton signed Pickard to a two-year deal in 2022 and he spent his first year in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors going 23-12-2 with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.
The Edmonton Oilers have secured their goaltending future by signing Calvin Pickard to a two-year contract extension. The deal, announced on Tuesday, solidifies the team’s depth at the goaltender position and gives them a reliable option between the pipes for the foreseeable future.
Pickard, 29, has been a steady presence for the Oilers since joining the team in 2019. He has appeared in 33 games for Edmonton, posting a 2.97 goals against average and a .908 save percentage. His strong play has earned him the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates, making him a valuable asset for the team moving forward.
The extension comes at a crucial time for the Oilers, who are looking to build on their success from last season. With Pickard locked in for the next two years, the team can focus on improving other areas of their roster without having to worry about their goaltending situation.
In a statement released by the team, Oilers general manager Ken Holland praised Pickard for his work ethic and professionalism, calling him a “key piece” of the team’s future plans. Pickard himself expressed his excitement about staying in Edmonton, saying he is looking forward to continuing to contribute to the team’s success.
Overall, the signing of Calvin Pickard to a two-year contract extension is a positive development for the Edmonton Oilers. With a reliable goaltender in place, the team can now turn their attention to building a competitive roster that can compete for a Stanley Cup in the coming years.