Philadelphia Flyers president Paul Holmgren was clear that he would make a change to the team’s goaltending situation if he felt the need even as they continue their search for a new GM, and today did just that. The Flyers have placed Calvin Pickard on waivers, while also sending forward Tyrell Goulbourne back to the minor leagues. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the New Jersey Devils have also placed Jean-Sebastien Dea on waivers.
Pickard, 26, was claimed off of waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs just prior to the start of the season and ended up playing 11 games for the Flyers so far. His performance so far hasn’t been good despite a 4-2-2 record, as he has registered an .863 save percentage and is allowing more than four goals per game on average. Part of the problem may be the Flyers defensive structure given Pickard’s career .909 save percentage, but he hasn’t shown much NHL ability at this point.
That’s not to say he doesn’t have some value though, especially to the Maple Leafs who could very likely put in a claim for him. Should they be the only team to do so they would be able to send Pickard directly to the Toronto Marlies, who have had goaltending troubles for much of this season. Pickard won a Calder Cup with the Marlies last season, though he was the backup to Garret Sparks at the time. His contract carries an $800K cap hit, and would be completely buried in the minor leagues if he cleared waivers or ended up with the Marlies.
Dea meanwhile has been playing full-time with the Devils, recording five points in 20 games but became the odd man out when Marcus Johansson returned to practice. The 24-year old Dea has had a lot of success in the minor leagues with the Pittsburgh Penguins since signing out of the QMJHL as an undrafted free agent, but didn’t receive a qualifying offer from that organization in the summer. He then re-signed a one-year two-way deal with the Penguins, before being claimed by the Devils on waivers at the end of September.
wouldn’t be surprised if the leafs put in a claim on pickard again for the Marlies.
Blues pick up pickard immediately.
I wasn’t expecting to, but I’ve really been impressed with Pickard’s play. He’s by no means an NHL starting goalie but you could do a lot worse in a reserve role.
His save % as a Flyer is .863
You must be very easy impressed.
easily*
He had a 24 win season in Colorado if not mistaken
To his credit, the flyers defense has been terrible. Forwards don’t backcheck well either. Not a great situation for a goalie fighting to stay in the league.
Dea was a waiver claim before the start of the season for the Devils, did not sign a Contract with them.
You’re right, obviously. Forgot that he re-signed with Pittsburgh after they left him unqualified. It’s fixed.
Can the Devils plzzzz sign or acquire some freakin talent??? We got the cap room Shero!!!