Calvin Pickard Returns to Edmonton After Oilers Final Runs

Calvin Pickard is returning to Edmonton as a Minnesota Wild goaltender after playing a significant role in the Edmonton Oilers' consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025. On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Oilers planned a video tribute at Rogers Place to recognize the 34-year-old netminder's contributions during his three seasons with the organization.

According to the Edmonton Journal, Pickard earned widespread appreciation from teammates and Oilers fans through his playoff performances, particularly during the 2025 postseason. Although his time in Edmonton included just 72 regular-season games, his performances during two deep playoff runs helped establish lasting connections with the organization.

Pickard finished his Oilers regular-season career with a 39-23-4 record. He added 10 playoff appearances and went 8-2 in the postseason, including a 7-1 record in 2025, when he won six consecutive games after taking over from Stuart Skinner.

The Edmonton Journal reported that Pickard won the final four games of the first-round series against Los Angeles after the Oilers fell behind 2-0. He then helped the team win two more games in the second round against Vegas before Tomas Hertl fell on him in the crease, leaving Pickard with a torn calf muscle and a sprained ankle in the same leg.

Reflecting on his time in Edmonton, Pickard emphasized the significance of the team's consecutive championship runs and the relationships he developed during those seasons.

"The playoff runs were special, back-to-back years go to the finals. Lots of good memories, lots of good teammates and staff. Most fun I've had in my career to date. Some lifelong relationships," Pickard said.

Despite his success in Edmonton, Pickard's career has involved frequent moves between organizations. The Minnesota Wild became his 12th professional team and seventh NHL destination after he signed a one-year, one-way contract worth $1 million in July 2026, according to the Edmonton Journal.

His NHL stops have included Colorado, Toronto, Philadelphia, Arizona, Detroit, Edmonton and Minnesota. Pickard joined the Wild to provide additional goaltending depth while Filip Gustavsson recovered from hip surgery performed in May.

Pickard acknowledged that his future in Minnesota could involve a reduced role once Gustavsson returns. He described the move as an opportunity to remain in the NHL despite uncertainty over his position on the depth chart.

"I knew what it looked like when I was signing but in my situation you can't be picky. When my agent called about Minny, it was a no-brainer. I was excited. Good opportunity to stay in the NHL for awhile," Pickard said.

He also described the physical demands of his position and the importance of maintaining his health throughout a career spent moving between teams.

"Durability is the key with goalies," Pickard said.

The Edmonton Journal reported that Pickard's final season with the Oilers was difficult. He struggled early, and Skinner was traded to Pittsburgh in December 2025 in a deal involving Tristan Jarry. When Jarry subsequently suffered an injury, Connor Ingram was recalled from Bakersfield and performed well, leaving Pickard further down the depth chart after Jarry returned.

Pickard eventually returned to the American Hockey League before rejoining Edmonton during the playoffs in a practice and spectator role. The experience was particularly difficult because his family remained in Edmonton while he was assigned to the minors.

"I had a rough start … there was lots of noise around the goaltending. Once Stu got traded, it was tough. We struggled as a team, as well.

Good and bad, inconsistent. Going to the minors and leaving the family behind in Edmonton was hard on me. Wasn't my most memorable year, for sure," Pickard said.

His return to Edmonton also follows a reunion with Skinner in Winnipeg, where the former Oilers teammates faced each other for the first time in their NHL careers on October 13, according to the Winnipeg Free Press and Twin Cities Pioneer Press.

Skinner, who signed a two-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets on July 1, described Pickard as one of his closest friends. Their relationship developed while they shared goaltending duties in Edmonton and helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final twice.

"I actually texted him (Sunday) night, 'you couldn't have written it up better,'" Skinner said after the Jets' Monday workout.

Skinner also explained how their shared experiences strengthened their friendship beyond their professional responsibilities.

"He's a fantastic human being. He's one of my best buddies. He's helped me a lot, in so many different ways.

We went to the (Stanley Cup) final twice together, so that really brings out a true bond and friendship. I'm excited to see him out there and I'm excited to play (against) him. We've really leaned on each other through these years and we still talk all the time and still text all the time and FaceTime, all of those good things.

That's the great thing about technology," Skinner said.

Pickard has also publicly supported Skinner's abilities, particularly his durability and postseason experience, as the latter began his tenure with Winnipeg.

"He's been undervalued for what he's done in his career so far," Pickard said.

He further praised Skinner's workload and playoff record when discussing his former teammate's move to the Jets.

"He's a horse. He can play a ton, he's durable and he's got a ton of experience. He's dominated playoff series. You can read whatever you want and see the stuff that's written online about him, but the truth of the matter is he's played a lot of good hockey," Pickard said.

According to the Winnipeg Free Press, Skinner opened the season with a 2-0-1 record, a 2.62 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. The Jets were 3-1-1 at the time of the report, while their coaching staff continued to adjust line combinations in search of more consistent secondary scoring.

Pickard's first Minnesota start also came in Winnipeg, his hometown, where he faced Skinner. The Pioneer Press reported that the Wild had rested Jesper Wallstedt after six consecutive starts, giving Pickard an opportunity to play in front of family and friends.

"Honestly, I think the last start I had in the league was there last year. It's home for me. Always have got family there and definitely a lot of games there over the years," Pickard said.

Waiting for an opportunity behind Wallstedt required patience, but Pickard maintained his preparation routine. The Pioneer Press reported that he worked with Wild goaltending coach Frederic Chabot for nearly an hour before a game against Florida, even though the morning skate was optional.

Wild coach John Hynes highlighted that extra work when explaining why Pickard was ready to play.

"The morning of the game, nobody skated. (Pickard) went over with Freddy and he wanted to work. So he has prepared himself to play, and we're looking forward to having him in the net," Hynes said.

Wild winger Michael McCarron also praised Pickard's commitment after the goaltender joined the team during the summer.

"He's an amazing person, and he was really good in the summer," McCarron said.

McCarron noted that Pickard arrived early to build relationships with his new teammates and continued to work hard during practices while awaiting his opportunity.

"He came really early, and I thought he was really, really good," McCarron said.

He also expressed enthusiasm about Pickard receiving a start after preparing consistently behind Wallstedt.

"And in practice every day he battles. He works his butt off, and I'm super excited for him to get a start for us," McCarron said.

Pickard's return to Edmonton comes after a season in which his role changed repeatedly, from an established member of the Oilers' goaltending rotation to a minor-league assignment and a playoff practice role. His Minnesota contract has given him another NHL opportunity while Gustavsson continues his recovery.