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Is Calvin Pickard A Fit With the Toronto Maple Leafs ?

By Jack Anderson |
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Goaltender Calvin Pickard #30 of the Toronto Maple Leafs stands for the National Anthem prior to the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on December 29, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Goaltender Calvin Pickard #30 of the Toronto Maple Leafs stands for the National Anthem prior to the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on December 29, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Pickard off waivers last season.

After surprisingly clearing waivers early in the season, Calvin Pickard was acquired by a Toronto Maple Leafs team which, uncharacteristically, had no need for an additional goaltender.

This was by no means a bad move, however. The Leafs parted ways with Tobias Lindberg and a 2018 6th round pick. This was a relatively cheap price for a solid option in goal.

Who is Calvin Pickard?

After being stuck behind a struggling Colorado Avalanche team in the 2016-17 season, Pickard proved doubters wrong with a strong showing with Team Canada at the 2017 World Championships. Following the expansion draft, he was acquired from Vegas. Soon after, he took on the role of goaltender 1B with the Marlies (Sparks being 1A).

This season, Pickard partnered up with Garrett Sparks to become undeniably the AHL’s best tandem. The two took home the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award for the least goals allowed.

The Problem

The problem is, even though Pickard posted 21 wins in 33 games and a .918 save percentage with the Marlies, he is the fourth goalie in line to be in between the pipes for the Leafs. With Curtis McElhinney’s contract expiring at the end of next season, it will likely be Garrett Sparks backing up Frederik Andersen in 2019 or sooner. 

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There is no foreseeable opening in the Leafs net in the near future. 

Many people were surprised to see him stay with the Marlies this long because of the demand for goalies. Speculation then rose about the possibility of Pickard becoming the new Leafs backup. Curtis McElhinney, however, had other plans. The Leafs backup went on to post an impressive .934 save percentage and a  2.14 GAA on his way to 11 wins this season.

This may have been where Pickard’s window closed. There’s no question the Leafs’ priority will be Garrett Sparks due to a variety of factors. Most notably his age and the obvious advantage in stats he has over Pickard.

What’s going to happen?

So, does Calvin Pickard have a future with the Leafs? The short answer is no. There is just too much competition for him to move up in the hierarchy of goaltending, and he is running out of time.

He is a restricted free-agent and may not be resigned.  The Leafs wouldn’t get much for an AHL goalie, but they probably wouldn’t begrudge trading his rights to an organization with less goalie depth.  Then again, they may not even qualify him.

But, they also may like the depth he provides and offer him a contract.  Injuries happen and it’s important to have organizational depth to help you when they do. 

Next: Odds of the Leafs Retaining Their UFAs

It will be interesting to see what the Leafs do with Pickard this summer.

contract info from capfriendly.com

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