Leon Draisaitl’s raw words about Calvin Pickard show what’s really happening in Edmonton
|
Jack Sutherland
Feb 2, 2026 (4:55 PM)
|
|
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draitaitl got a bit emotional when talking about his teammate Calvin Pickard, who the Oilers put on waivers over the weekend.
The Edmonton Oilers have moved on from the tandem that got them to back to back Stanley Cup Final appearances this year.
Stuart Skinner was traded in December to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of a package to acquire Tristan Jarry, and this weekend, the Oilers waived veteran Calvin Pickard.
He had 24 hours to clear, be claimed, or otherwise be sent to the American Hockey League affiliate Bakersfield Condors. That's where he's headed after he went unclaimed.
He's facing an uncertain future in both the Oilers organization and the NHL, and it led his teammate Leon Draisaitl to talk about what he meant to the rest of the team.
I think I speak for everyone in here. He's one of the greatest teammates all of us have had. - Leon Draisaitl
So far this year, Pickard, who is a pending UFA at the end of the season, didn't post encouraging stats. He went 5-6-2 with a .872 SV%.
Calvin Pickard's Time With The Oilers Appears To Have Reached An End
Pickard has played for multiple teams during his NHL career, having developed a reputation for being a journeyman.
He's played for the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings and Oilers.
So far, he's gone 74-77-14 with a .901 SV% and five shutouts.
His NHL future doesn't look promising, as he's not getting any younger combined with his poor stats this year with the Oilers.
Also read on HockeyLatest :
Winnipeg Jets trade talk heats up after Elliotte Friedman drops Original Six link
Winnipeg Jets trade talk heats up after Elliotte Friedman drops Original Six link
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 2|265 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl’s raw words about Calvin Pickard show what’s really happening in Edmonton Will Calvin Pickard see any action with the Oilers for the rest of the year? | ||
| Yes | 119 | 44.9 % |
| No | 146 | 55.1 % |
| List of polls | ||