Oilers & Flyers Becoming Potential Trade Partners

Stan Bowman, Kris Knoblauch, Edmonton Oilers

When was the last time we could say that the Edmonton Oilers have goaltending depth to trade from? That seems to be the case right now, as Connor Ingram has impressed the team with his work since coming up in late December, and Tristan Jarry has returned to the crease as well after missing several weeks. They also have a smoking-hot prospect tearing it up at the AHL level.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, the Flyers could be in a bind between the pipes. Dan Vladar has been excellent as the No. 1 netminder this season, but he went down to an injury on Wednesday night, and it's still unknown how long he'll be out.

If Vladar has to miss time (and even if he doesn't), the Flyers need to address their goaltending situation. Backup Samuel Ersson has not been NHL-viable this season, posting an .855 save percentage and a 6-7-4 mark in 16 starts.

With Dan Vladar now hurt and Sam Ersson struggling as backup in Philly, suspect GM Danny Briere is monitoring Calvin Pickard goalie situation here
— Jim Matheson (@jimmathesonnhl) January 15, 2026

Calvin Pickard could become a target for Flyers

Oilers insider Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal suggests that Philly GM Danny Briere take a look at Oilers third-stringer Calvin Pickard. His .871 Sv% is only marginally better than Ersson's right now... but it is an improvement. Pickard posted a Sv% of .900 or better in each of the previous two seasons as Stuart Skinner's backup in Edmonton.

The Oilers tried to put Pickard on waivers earlier this season, but his teammates went to management to plead Pickard's case and vetoed the move. The Oilers were considering bringing up Ingram then. It took another several weeks, but he eventually did get the call on Dec. 21. Since then, Ingram has posted a 7-4-1 mark with a .904 Sv%.

Making the Oilers' goaltending depth look even stronger is the red-hot start for 24-year-old prospect Connor Ungar at Bakersfield in the AHL. He's won all five of his starts in net, posting a 1.38 goals against average and a .953 Sv%. Those numbers are even a shade better than the stats he posted at the ECHL before coming up to the Condors.

Pickard could be had for a modest price, and the Flyers seem like the perfect fit.