NHL experts are criticizing the Edmonton Oilers for their decision involving goalie Calvin Pickard, but they are completely wrong.
Last week, the Oilers put Calvin Pickard on waivers and then officially sent him to the AHL just before the Olympic break. This decision did not sit well with some fans of the Oilers, and it seems like it also upset some NHL analysts.
NHL analysts on the popular Missin’ Curfew Podcast slammed the Oilers for not respecting a veteran player by moving Pickard to the AHL right before the Olympics. However, they overlooked an important detail.
There’s no way the #LetsGoOilers sent Calvin Pickard down to the minors right before his Olympic break 🤦🏻
Missin Curfew Episode 455@DKNetwork | @pick6 | #dkpartner pic.twitter.com/LTERK2m8e8
— Missin Curfew (@MissinCurfew) February 9, 2026
Oilers, I’m calling you out. If you send this guy down and don’t let Calvin Pickard take his Olympic break, you are making a mistake. He has been an amazing teammate. All the players and fans appreciate him, and he has worked hard for you. He deserves his Olympic time off. If you send him to Bakersfield, he should still have his two weeks to relax.
– Missin’ Curfew
I expect Pickard to remain with team and get the break like other players as he has a trip with family planned.
Often teams will place a player on waivers but not send him down immediately. It just means if they have to he can go down instantly without 24 wait. https://t.co/33ZX0bZCQ1
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) February 2, 2026
Some NHL fans had similar thoughts, but Oilers insiders have said that Pickard’s move is more of a technicality.
Pickard won’t be joining the Bakersfield Condors until after the Olympics. He has earned his break after helping the Oilers manage their busy schedule this year, and he will get that vacation time with his family.
While some fans disagree with moving Pickard to the minors, the Oilers couldn’t keep three goalies on their team. It would hold them back from having an extra forward and would complicate their salary cap situation.
Having Pickard in the AHL is a good option for the Oilers because it gives them a reliable third goalie who can be called up if someone gets hurt. It’s unfortunate that Pickard isn’t a fit for the NHL team anymore, but that’s because the Oilers have improved their goalkeeping, which is a positive move for the team.
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