The Edmonton Oilers are entering the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with hopes of finally getting over the hump, as their back-to-back foes, the Florida Panthers, couldn't make it to the postseason this year.
With the organization set to face the Anaheim Ducks in the first round, however, a lot of question marks still surround the roster and one of their two best players in forward Leon Draisaitl, as well as the status of fellow forward Zach Hyman, who just returned for the last game of the regular season.
Goaltending, meanwhile, will also be a key piece of the Oilers' postseason puzzle, with Connor Ingram expected to carry the starting role and Tristan Jarry positioned behind him, showing some inconsistencies following a mid-season injury.
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On top of their starter and backup, the NHL also allows teams to carry an additional goaltender during the playoffs, giving franchises added flexibility for practices without risking the health of their main netminders.
Given that context, the Oilers announced what the franchise termed an "emergency" roster move on Friday, with Edmonton recalling a veteran goalie within the organization.
“The #Oilers have recalled goaltender Calvin Pickard from the @Condors on an emergency basis.”
According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, the move is not injury-related, with Ingram and Jarry entering the playoffs with full availability.
“Can confirm that there are no injuries to either Ingram or Jarry,” Spector wrote. “NHL wants teams to have an ‘NHL GOALIE’ as their No. 3 in playoff. Pickard will be that for Oilers.”
Pickard, 34, appeared in 16 NHL games this season, posting a 5-6-2 record with a 3.68 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage.
During his time in the American Hockey League with the Bakersfield Condors this campaign, Pickard recorded a 4-3-1 mark alongside a 3.26 goals-against average and a .886 save percentage.
Edmonton will open its first-round series against the Ducks on Monday, with Game 1 scheduled for puck drop at 10 p.m. ET.
