NHL Waivers: Two Players Listed as of February 1st

As of February 1st, two players have appeared on the NHL waiver wire: goaltender Calvin Pickard of the Edmonton Oilers and forward Justin Kirkland from the Calgary Flames. Both players are now available for other teams to claim.

NHL Waivers: Overview of Players Listed

Calvin Pickard – Edmonton Oilers

• Position: Goaltender
• Age: 33
• Contract: Two-year deal with an annual average value (AAV) of $1 million

Pickard’s placement on waivers follows the return of Tristan Jarry from long-term injured reserve. With Jarry back, the Oilers opted to retain only two goaltenders on their NHL roster. This decision led to Pickard being waived.

In the current NHL season, Pickard has struggled, recording a 5-6-2 record with a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.68 and a save percentage of .871. His performance contrasted sharply with the previous two seasons, where he played a pivotal role in the Oilers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances.

• Total NHL Games: 191
• Career Record: 74 wins, 77 losses, 14 overtime losses
• Overall GAA: 2.96
• Save Percentage: .901
• Playoff Performance: 13 games, 8 wins, GAA of 2.72, .892 SV%

If he clears waivers, Pickard may be assigned to the Bakersfield Condors, marking his first AHL appearance this season.

Justin Kirkland – Calgary Flames

• Position: Forward
• Age: 29
• Contract: One-year deal with a cap hit of $900,000

Kirkland’s journey this season has included time with both the Flames and their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. In 20 games with the Flames, he has notched one goal and one assist.

His tenure with the Wranglers has been more fruitful, posting five goals and two assists, totaling seven points in 14 games.

Key Statistics Summary

As both players await their fate on the waiver wire, teams across the NHL will be evaluating opportunities to strengthen their rosters. The outcome of these waivers could significantly impact their careers and team dynamics moving forward.