Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard exits preseason game after collision, awaiting injury update

It went down with about eight minutes left when Seattle Kraken's Yanni Gourde drove hard to the net, pushing Oilers center Noah Philp into Pickard. Next thing you know, the netminder was on the ice, tossing his blocker aside and grabbing his mask.

As of now, we're still waiting to hear if Pickard's injury is serious or if he was just pulled as a precaution. Coach Kris Knoblauch didn't provide an update.

Pickard's heading into his second season as the Oilers' backup goalie after being recalled early in the 2023-24 season. Last year, he had a solid run, playing 23 regular season games with a 12-7-1 record, a .909 save percentage, and a 2.45 goals-against average.

Pickard was a huge factor in Edmonton's success last season. After getting called up in November to replace a struggling Jack Campbell, he stepped in and posted an impressive 12-7-1 record. His performance helped stabilize the team when they needed it most.

The Oilers re-signed Pickard this summer to a two-year deal worth $1 million per year. Replacing him was Olivier Rodrigue, he's been the go-to third goalie, set to start for the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL if he's not claimed off waivers.

Last season, he had a decent season with a .916 save percentage over 37 games. Hopefully, we get some good news on Pickard soon!

Source: Oilers Insider
Calvin Pickard forced to leave game