Detroit Red Wings
The Daily: Ex-Red Wings Goalie Starting in Playoffs; Seider Named Captain
Calvin Pickard played 12 games over three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings organization from 2019-20 through 2021-22. Before coming to Detroit, he played six games for the Arizona Coyotes, 11 games for the Philadelphia Flyers and one game for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
At 33, his career has been the definition of journeyman goalie. In his 14 years as a professional goalie, he has spent one season as a full-time NHL starter. That was in 2016-17 when he played 50 games for the Colorado Avalanche.
But that is all changed today because it looks like he will be the Edmonton Oilers’ starter in Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights in their second-round playoff series. The Oilers have not confirmed that fact, but Pickard was in the starter’s net for Monday’s practice.
He’s earned that chance with a 4-0 record and 2.93 goals-against average in the postseason. Summed up, he’s been better than Stuart Skinner.
When Ken Holland signed Pickard for Edmonton in 2022, we can guess that he would have called the Red Wings for a recommendation. The Red Wings did like Pickard very much, and would have liked to keep him, but he was looking to go to a team that could offer him more of a chance. It has worked out for him because he played 23 regular-season games in 2023-24 and 36 games this season.
This is one Pickard’s best career opportunities, but his situation is far from permanent. It feels like the Oilers’ goalie situation is a day-to-day proposition. But many who knew Pickard in Grand Rapids, or in the Detroit organization, are probably rooting for him.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Detroit defenseman Erik Gustafsson is on standby to play for Sweden at the World Championships.
GM Steve Yzerman doesn’t believe we will offer sheets this summer because the salary cap has gone up significantly and most teams can match offers.
Paywall story: What assets might the Red Wings use if they make a trade? What prospects might move? Detroit Hockey Now looks at the Red Wings tradeable assets. To subscribe to DHN+ stories, click here:
Red Wings Extra
The German national team has named Moritz Seider captain of the team for the World Championships. This is the first time Seider has earned that honor. That’s hardly a surprise in Detroit where Seider has grown into one of the Red Wings’ leaders. This past season, in particular, the big defenseman became a go-to guy in speaking to the media about how the Detroit squad was performing. From the very beginning of Seider’s career, he has been a player that teammates respected.
Hockey Now Network
Boston: Bruins ended up with the worst draft slot they could have possibly earned. Welcome to the Red Wings’ world. Boston Bruins.
Florida: Sam Bennett sends Anthony Stolarz to the hospital, but Toronto still prevails over the Florida Panthers.
New Jersey: Jesper Bratt and Luke Hughes both had shoulder surgery. New Jersey Devils.
Philadelphia: Matvei Michkov snubbed in the Calder Trophy balloting? He was not named one of the finalists. Philadelphia Flyers.
Pittsburgh: Cross one important name on the list of coaches to interview for the vacant head coaching job. Pittsburgh Penguins.
