Toronto Maple Leafs: Is Calvin Pickard on his way out?
By James Reeve
The Toronto Maple Leafs have six goaltenders signed to pro contracts this season and it looks as if Calvin Pickard could be on the trading block.
James Mirtle, Editor-in-Chief at The Athletic Toronto, recently spoke to TSN 1050 about the future of Calvin Pickard with the Toronto Maple Leafs organisation:
"“Calvin Pickard has been offered around the league in trade talks, other teams have been saying that. So, you know they are looking to ease that logjam a little bit.”"
Frederik Andersen is entrenched as the team’s starter, having come fourth in Vezina voting last season, but there are plenty of questions around the backup position.
Currently, Curtis McElhinney and Garret Sparks are expected to compete for the role ahead of the season opener, with the odd man out likely being sent down to the AHL.
Pickard, who originally joined the Maple Leafs organisation in a trade that saw Tobias Lindberg and a 2018 sixth-round pick sent to the Vegas Golden Knights, could find himself confined to a backup role in the AHL for a second season running if he stays with the Leafs.
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He will also face strong competition for that role, with Finnish goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo expected to compete for playing time with the Marlies after spending a loan spell with the Chicago Wolves last season.
The Moncton, New Brunswick native could be an appealing trade piece for teams looking for a potential backup in the NHL or a competent starter in the AHL.
In 33 regular games with the Marlies last season, Pickard had a 2.31 goals-against average and had a .918 save percentage.
He then had a strong three-game cameo in the playoffs, averaging 1.00 goals against and a save percentage of .956.
When Pickard was initially traded to the Leafs he made one NHL appearance, where he faired significantly worse, posting a 3.81 GAA and a sub-900 save percentage of .857.
Sparks appears to be the future for the Leafs’ backup position and Pickard, at 26, likely still harbours aspirations to play in the NHL.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs, it is unlikely he gets this opportunity.
Pickard holds a low cap hit of just $800,000 next season, surprisingly higher than teammates Sparks and Kaskisuo.
His cap hit is lower, however, than recent free agent acquisition Eamon McAdam.
Pickard’s low cost could make him appealing to a number of teams and he could find himself as part of a package that helps the Leafs acquire a player who could have a more immediate impact.
Next. Justin Holl deserves a genuine shot with the Maple Leafs. dark
What do you think Toronto Maple Leafs fans? Will Pickard be traded by the team? Who will step up and claim the starting role for the Marlies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!