Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch shares crucial injury update on goalie Calvin Pickard

Thankfully, Coach Knoblauch gave us some good news today, saying that Pickard only injured his neck and is expected to be out for just a few days and will be on the opening night roster once October 9 arrives when the Oilers play the Winnipeg Jets.

Pickard, the 32-year-old veteran, played a crucial role for the Oilers last year, stepping up whenever goaltending from Jack Campbell or even Stuart Skinner faltered. In 23 games, he posted a solid .909 save percentage, proving to be a steady hand in net during a season where consistency in the crease was a sore spot.

What's great for Oilers fans is knowing they've got a reliable backup in Pickard, and with him signing a team-friendly two-year, $1 million contract deal this offseason, it shows his commitment to being part of a cup-contending squad, even if he could've received better pay on the open market.

Pickard will back up Skinner with Olivier Rodrigue third on the depth chart if an injury arises. Until then, he will start for the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL.

In a year where every position matters on the road to the Stanley Cup, having reliable goaltending is going to be key and Edmonton is confident that's what they have between the pipes.

Source: Oilers Daily
Oilers coach Knoblauch offers update on Calvin Pickard injury