Calvin Pickard Bio
Calvin Pickard, born on April 15, 1992, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 185 centimeters tall and weighing 93 kilograms, Pickard has built his reputation as a dependable netminder across multiple organizations since being selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the 2010 NHL entry draft. Throughout his career, he has contributed to several teams in both regular-season and playoff settings, including a memorable run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2025.
Pickard began skating in his hometown of Moncton before his family relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, when he was eight years old. That move helped shape his early development and exposed him to competitive junior hockey in Western Canada. He carries the experience of more than a decade in professional hockey, having appeared for at least seven NHL franchises over the years.
Early Life and Background
Calvin Pickard was born to Dan and Cathy Pickard, who raised him in Moncton, New Brunswick, before relocating to Winnipeg, Manitoba, during his childhood. Growing up in a hockey-oriented household, Pickard was introduced to the sport at a young age and quickly gravitated toward the goaltending position. His older brother, Chet Pickard, was drafted in the first round by the Nashville Predators in 2008 and went on to play professionally in the German DEL, providing a strong role model within the family.
Pickard also has a sister named Kelly, completing a close-knit family that encouraged his athletic pursuits. The family’s transition to Winnipeg gave him access to stronger youth hockey programs, which proved important as he advanced through the ranks. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his progression into major junior hockey.
Path to Hockey
Pickard began his major junior career with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2008-09. During his second season with the Thunderbirds, he posted a 0.914 save percentage despite recording 16 wins in 62 games, earning a spot on the 2010 WHL West First All-Star Team. That performance drew the attention of NHL scouts, who ranked him as the top North American goaltender heading into the 2010 NHL entry draft.
He was eventually selected in the second round, 49th overall, by the Colorado Avalanche, becoming the third goaltender taken in that draft. During the 2010-11 season, Pickard was invited to Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp for the 2011 World Junior Championships, though he did not make the final roster. On March 25, 2011, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Avalanche and was assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters, to begin his professional career.
Calvin Pickard Career
Early Career (2012-2014)
The 2012-13 season marked Pickard’s first full professional campaign. He played 47 games for the Lake Erie Monsters and recorded 20 wins, establishing himself as a reliable starter at the AHL level. After spending another season developing with Lake Erie, Pickard began the 2014-15 season with the Monsters before receiving his first NHL recall.
On October 16, 2014, Pickard was promoted to the Avalanche after starter Semyon Varlamov was placed on injured reserve. He made his NHL debut the same day against the Ottawa Senators, replacing an injured Reto Berra. Although he allowed four goals on 27 shots in a 5-3 loss, the appearance signaled his arrival in the league.
Colorado Avalanche Breakthrough (2014-2017)
Pickard earned his first NHL victory on November 22, 2014, relieving an ineffective Berra and stopping all 17 shots he faced in a 4-3 overtime win. He continued to perform well until Varlamov returned from injury, after which he settled into a backup role. Pickard recorded his first NHL shutout on January 16, 2016, against the New Jersey Devils, while splitting time between the Avalanche and their new AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage.
On July 5, 2016, Pickard signed his first one-way contract, a two-year deal worth $2 million with the Avalanche. The following season became his first full NHL campaign. After Varlamov suffered an early season-ending injury, Pickard was thrust into the starting role and set a career high with 50 appearances, leading the last-place Avalanche in save percentage, goals against average, and wins.
Vegas Golden Knights and Toronto Marlies Era (2017-2018)
Following the 2016-17 season, Pickard was exposed in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft and became the first player selected by the Vegas Golden Knights on June 21, 2017. He appeared poised to serve as the backup to Marc-André Fleury during the franchise’s inaugural season. However, after Vegas claimed Malcolm Subban off waivers, Pickard was placed on waivers himself on October 5, 2017, and was traded hours later to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2018 sixth-round pick and Tobias Lindberg.
Assigned to the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, Pickard enjoyed one of the most successful stretches of his career. On April 15, 2018, he and fellow goaltender Garret Sparks were awarded the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award. Pickard then helped the Marlies capture their first Calder Cup championship before signing a one-year, $800,000 contract extension.
Philadelphia Flyers and Arizona Coyotes Era (2018-2019)
During the 2018-19 pre-season, Pickard was placed on waivers by Toronto and claimed by the Philadelphia Flyers on October 2, 2018. He recorded his fourth career shutout on November 23, 2018, blanking the New York Rangers 4-0 in the Flyers’ annual Black Friday matinee. The very next day, he surrendered four goals on six shots against the Toronto Maple Leafs and was pulled from the game.
After struggling to a 4.01 goals against average, Pickard was waived again on November 28 and claimed the following day by the Arizona Coyotes. He made six appearances for Arizona but was unable to secure a win before becoming a free agent.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2019-2022)
On July 1, 2019, Pickard signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. He spent most of his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins, though he was recalled on three occasions during the 2019-20 season due to injuries affecting Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Bernier. In December 2020, Detroit loaned Pickard to the Vienna Capitals of the ICE Hockey League for conditioning, where he posted a 3-3 record.
Pickard returned to North America and appeared in six games for the Red Wings during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, going 2-1-1 and earning back-to-back wins against the Columbus Blue Jackets. On July 28, 2021, he signed a one-year extension with Detroit before eventually moving on.
Edmonton Oilers Era (2022-Present)
On July 13, 2022, Pickard signed a two-year, two-way free agent contract with the Edmonton Oilers. He spent the entire 2022-23 season with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. After starting the 2023-24 season with a 2-2-0 record and a .939 save percentage in Bakersfield, he was recalled on November 8, 2023, following the demotion of starter Jack Campbell.
Pickard performed capably as a backup to Stuart Skinner and was retained for the remainder of the season, appearing in 23 games with a 12-7-1 record and a .909 save percentage. He recorded the fifth shutout of his career during that stretch, marking the most NHL games he had played since leaving the Avalanche in 2017.
Driving Style and Strengths
Pickard is recognized for his calm presence in the crease, sound positional play, and ability to step into high-pressure moments. His track record of stepping in during critical playoff games demonstrates a mental toughness that complements his technical consistency.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Pickard’s most memorable performances was his playoff debut during the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, when he entered Game 3 against the Vancouver Canucks in relief and then started Game 4, stopping 20 shots in a 3-2 victory that helped Edmonton even the series. He also represented Canada at the 2016 World Championships in Russia, winning two games en route to a gold medal.
Calvin Pickard Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Calvin Pickard has accumulated victories across the AHL and NHL, including a Calder Cup championship with the Toronto Marlies in 2018 and a gold medal with Canada at the 2016 World Championships.
NHL and AHL Highlights
Pickard set a career high with 50 NHL appearances during the 2016-17 season with the Avalanche. He later appeared in 23 games for the Oilers in 2023-24, recording 12 wins and one shutout. In the AHL, he posted 20 wins during his first full professional season with the Lake Erie Monsters in 2012-13.
Other Wins and Performances
Pickard helped the Toronto Marlies win their first Calder Cup in 2018 and captured a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Championship. He also posted a 3-3 record during a conditioning stint with the Vienna Capitals of the ICE Hockey League in 2020-21.
Calvin Pickard Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Calvin Pickard was born to Dan and Cathy Pickard in Moncton, New Brunswick. His older brother, Chet Pickard, was selected in the first round of the 2008 NHL draft by the Nashville Predators and played professionally in the German DEL. Pickard also has a sister named Kelly, and the family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, when he was eight years old.
Personal Life
Pickard married his wife, Courtney, in Winnipeg on June 17, 2019. The couple has two daughters, Blakely and Ryla. He has often credited his family for providing stability throughout the many transitions of his professional hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season marked a defining chapter in Calvin Pickard’s career. After serving as a dependable backup to Stuart Skinner throughout the regular season, Pickard was called upon during the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs when Skinner’s performance dipped. He entered Game 2 of the first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings in relief and then started Game 3, making 24 saves in a 7-4 victory that helped Edmonton avoid an 0-3 series deficit. Pickard went on to post a perfect 4-0 record in the first round as the Oilers advanced.
Pickard continued his strong play into the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights, winning the first two games of the series before a lower-body injury sidelined him. Skinner reclaimed the crease, and the Oilers eliminated Vegas in five games. Pickard returned for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, making his debut in Game 3 and entering Game 4 at the start of the second period. He stopped 22 shots in a 5-4 comeback win that helped Edmonton stay alive in the series.
Pickard’s poise under playoff pressure reinforced his value to the Oilers and showcased the resilience that has defined his long professional journey. His performance in 2025 stands as a testament to his perseverance after years spent moving between organizations and leagues.