Arizona Coyotes send Calvin Pickard down for conditioning stint
By James Reeve
The status of goaltender Calvin Pickard became a little clearer today when the Arizona Coyotes announced that he has been assigned to the AHL for a conditioning stint.
Pickard‘s position within the Arizona Coyotes organisation had been questioned in recent weeks after the 26-year-old had not made a single appearance for the team since being claimed off waivers.
The second-round (49th overall) selection in the 2010 draft will now have 14 days to get himself some ice time with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners – presenting him with a golden opportunity to impress their NHL affiliates.
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Pickard has appeared in 11 games for the Philadelphia Flyers this season, posting a 4-2-2 record where the decision has gone his way, with a disappointing 4.01 goals against average and a save percentage of just .863.
The former Toronto Marlies backup, who helped the team earn the first Calder Cup championship in franchise history last season, has been kept out of the line-up due to the strong and surprising performances of Adin Hill.
Pickard was originally claimed by the Coyotes after starter Antti Raanta was placed on IR, with the Canadian expected to earn time as the team’s backup while Darcy Kuemper takes Raanta’s place.
This, however, has not come to pass as Hill has stepped up in his limited ice time, registering a 7-3-0 record.
With Pickard spending time in the AHL, it will give the organisation time to decide what happens to him for the rest of the season.
If Pickard is placed back on waivers, it is likely that another team in the NHL claims him and the Coyotes will have lost the player for nothing.
Alternative options for Pickard could see him traded, though his value is arguably at the lowest possible point currently, or the team could move Hill back down to the Roadrunners as he is exempt from waivers.
The last alternative option would be for the Arizona Coyotes to keep Pickard on their roster, keeping him around as a ‘just in case’ possibility.
Next. Adin Hill impresses for Arizona Coyotes. dark
What do you think Coyotes fans? What should the team do with Pickard once he returns from his conditioning stint? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!