Calvin Pickard: NHL Ready

Calvin Pickard was drafted 2nd round 49th overall at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. Not be confused with his brother Chet Pickard who was drafted 1st round 18th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2008. Chet, a draft bust that spent time between the AHL and ECHL, has played in Europe the past two seasons.

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Going into his 4th full season of pro hockey, Calvin Pickard has spent the majority of his time in the AHL, with a short stint in Colorado last season. In 2011-12, he played 47 games for Lake Erie with a 2.47 GAA and .918 save percentage. In 2012-13, he appeared in 43 games in the AHL posting 2.85 GAA and .906 save percentage. Last season, Calvin Pickard played in 50 games for Lake Erie posting a 2.61 GAA and .917 save percentage. He also spent 16 games with the Avalanche posting a 2.35 GAA and .932 save percentage.

We’re only three games into the 2015-16 season, but Pickard has given three strong performances for new AHL affiliate San Antonio, posting a 2.32 GAA and .933 save percentage. Last friday, he saved 39 of 41 shots followed up with a shutout the next night. The problem is the Colorado Avalanche goaltending situation, with Semyon Varlamov cemented in as the starter, and Reto Berra proving to be a capable backup. Pickard is an upgrade on Berra, but it wouldn’t make sense to stick a 23-year-old goaltender in the backup role for limited starts. Young goalies grow and develop in the AHL differently, just think about how long Ben Bishop paid his dues before becoming the goalie he is today.

At 23, Calvin Pickard looks ready to make the next step to the NHL, although it’s unclear where he fits in with Colorado. The Avalanche look pretty comfortable moving forward with Varlamov/Berra. Sure there’s always a risk of losing one of your goaltenders to injury or illness, in which case Calvin Pickard would get starts with the big club every now and then. But, that’s unfair to Calvin and the organization. It’s time to explore trade options if you’re GM Joe Sakic. Calvin Pickard won’t fetch you an elite defender, but you could certainly create a package deal to help bring in another true top four defenseman to play alongside Tyson Barrie.

Jan 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard (31) warms up in net before the game against the Boston Bruins the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Calvin Pickard’s Best Fit: Buffalo Sabres

With Robin Lehner out long-term, Chad Johnson and Nathan Lieuwen have been left to man the crease for Buffalo. Sabres GM Tim Murray should be working the phones soon, if he hasn’t already. Rumors are that he’s eyeing Ducks G John Gibson, but Anaheim is unwilling to part ways with their young netminder.

You only need a temporary fix, because you paid a hefty price to see if Lehner could be your starter. That experiment will continue upon his return. Why not bring in a relatively cheap option such as Calvin Pickard to compete with Chad Johnson for the backup role in the meantime? If Pickard is as good as he seems, Buffalo could feature a Lehner/Pickard tandem duo.

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