The Edmonton Oilers received encouraging news regarding goaltender, who appears to have avoided a more serious injury following a violent collision during Saturday night’s game against the Seattle Kraken.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch provided an update on his status, stating, “We expect him to be back on the ice in a few days. His neck is pretty sore; obviously, we’re being cautious, but he should be alright.” It’s understandable that Pickard is feeling the aftermath of the collision, as he was forcefully pushed into the goalpost while also bearing the weight of teammate Noah Philp, who couldn’t avoid the impact.
Following the incident, Calvin Pickard managed to get up on his own. After a brief evaluation by team doctors, he opted to leave the game. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed earlier today that the veteran goaltender is in good condition and should be ready for the season opener on October 9.
Calvin Pickard’s health is crucial for the Oilers, as he is expected to support starting goalie Stuart Skinner. Had Pickard been sidelined, the team would likely have turned to AHL option Olivier Rodrigue for backup duties. Rodrigue performed well in the Oilers’ win over Seattle, but he may not be fully prepared for a regular role in the NHL.
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