Calvin Pickard Bio
Calvin Pickard is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Pickard has built a career as a dependable goaltender across multiple NHL teams, contributing significantly in both regular season and playoff games.
Early Life and Background
Born on April 15, 1992, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Calvin Pickard moved with his family to Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of eight. He is the son of Dan and Cathy Pickard and has an older brother, Chet, who was also a professional goaltender, as well as a sister named Kelly. Growing up in a hockey-oriented family, Pickard developed his skills early, influenced by his brother’s professional career.
Path to Hockey
Pickard began his major junior hockey career with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the 2008–09 season. Despite a challenging second season in terms of wins, he posted an impressive save percentage of .914 and was named to the 2010 WHL West First All-Star Team. His performance earned him recognition as the top North American goaltender by central scouting, leading to his selection by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He also participated in Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp for the 2011 World Junior Championships.
Calvin Pickard Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Pickard signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche in March 2011 and spent the remainder of that season with their AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. After finishing his junior career with the Seattle Thunderbirds, he played his first full professional season in 2012–13 with Lake Erie, recording 20 wins in 47 games. He made his NHL debut in October 2014, stepping in due to injuries on the Avalanche roster. Over the next seasons, Pickard alternated between the NHL and AHL, earning his first NHL win and shutout while demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Colorado Avalanche Breakthrough (2016–2017)
In the 2016–17 season, Pickard secured his first full NHL season, initially serving as the backup goaltender. Following an injury to the starting goaltender, he assumed the starting role, making a career-high 50 appearances. He led the Avalanche in save percentage, goals against average, and wins despite the team’s struggles, showcasing his capability as a reliable NHL starter.
Transition Through Multiple Teams (2017–2022)
Exposed in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, Pickard was the first player selected by the Vegas Golden Knights but was soon waived and traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He contributed to the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, helping them win their first Calder Cup. Subsequent seasons saw him claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers and Arizona Coyotes, before signing with the Detroit Red Wings in 2019. During his time with Detroit, he split duties between the NHL and AHL, earning AHL Player of the Week honors and providing dependable goaltending during injury call-ups.
Edmonton Oilers Era (2022–Present)
Pickard signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2022 and spent most of the 2022–23 season with their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. In the 2023–24 season, he was recalled to the Oilers and retained as a backup goaltender, appearing in 23 NHL games with a solid record and save percentage. He played a crucial role in the Oilers’ 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs run, making his NHL playoff debut and earning praise for his performances in key games. In the 2025 playoffs, Pickard continued to contribute significantly, including making his Stanley Cup Final debut and helping the team secure important victories.
Driving Style and Strengths
Calvin Pickard is known for his composure under pressure and strong positional play. His ability to perform reliably in relief and starting roles highlights his adaptability. He combines solid reflexes with strategic anticipation, making him effective across various game situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Pickard’s career milestones include his first NHL shutout in 2016 and being the inaugural pick for the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 Expansion Draft. His playoff performances with the Edmonton Oilers, particularly his NHL playoff debut in 2024 and contributions during the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, stand out as defining moments.
Calvin Pickard Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Calvin Pickard has accumulated multiple wins across several teams, demonstrating his value as a dependable goaltender. His career highlights include key victories during his tenure with the Colorado Avalanche and impactful playoff performances with the Edmonton Oilers.
Colorado Avalanche Highlights
Pickard’s first NHL win came during the 2014–15 season, and he recorded his first shutout in January 2016. His 2016–17 season marked his most active NHL campaign, where he led the Avalanche in several goaltending categories.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the Avalanche, Pickard has contributed to teams including the Toronto Marlies, with whom he won the Calder Cup, and has provided critical goaltending support for the Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers. His playoff appearances with the Oilers have been particularly noteworthy.
Calvin Pickard Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Calvin Pickard comes from a family with strong hockey ties. His older brother, Chet Pickard, was also a professional goaltender who played in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany. This family background has influenced Calvin’s development and passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Calvin Pickard is married to Courtney, with whom he wed in Winnipeg on June 17, 2019. The couple has two daughters, Blakely and Ryla. His family life remains private but is an important part of his personal foundation.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 NHL season, Calvin Pickard has played a pivotal role for the Edmonton Oilers, especially during the Stanley Cup playoffs. After stepping in due to concerns over the starting goaltender’s form, Pickard delivered strong performances that helped the team advance through critical playoff rounds. His ability to maintain composure and secure victories under pressure has been vital to the Oilers’ postseason success. The team’s coaching staff has expressed confidence in his skills, and his contributions have solidified his role as a key backup and occasional starter. Overall, Pickard’s 2025 season reflects his resilience and value as a seasoned NHL goaltender.