Calvin Pickard and Kris Knoblauch might be getting back together just as Edmonton firming up its plan for goalies in the playoffs.
That’s the situation here. It’s not a big trade or a surprise at the last minute, but a smart goalie decision that now seems likely to happen.
The reason is straightforward. With Ungar returning to Bakersfield, it’s easier for Pickard to come back and stay with the Oilers for the entire season.
This is important because Edmonton has moved past the phase of trying out players just for fun. Now, it’s essential to have the right players in the right spots before the games get tough.
Oilers are about to get some help soon, and it’s catching attention.
The key point is what this means for timing. Bringing someone back now wouldn’t just be for regular-season cleanup. It’s about making sure Knoblauch has all the goalie options ready.
This is especially crucial for a team looking to enter the playoffs without added confusion about the goalie situation. Having stability is important, even for the backup goalie.
Pickard provides that stability. He’s not a stranger being introduced late in the season. He’s a familiar player who can fit back into the team quickly.
That’s why the phrase “pretty much any time now” stands out. It sounds less like guesswork and more like a trade that just needs some paperwork.
It also means Edmonton has one less thing to worry about. Once Pickard returns to the main team, they can concentrate on building the rest of the playoff lineup more effectively.
Nothing about this would be very exciting on its own. But that’s sort of the idea.
A good playoff plan might seem unexciting until it proves to be a good idea. If Calvin Pickard is really coming back, the Oilers aren’t just making a lot of fuss. They are simply focusing on one more key point before the real competitions begin.
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