While Vegas fans were getting to know the presumed back-up, and possible future goaltender, George McPhee’s continued quest for assets abruptly sent him packing. Former Golden Knight Calvin Pickard spoke with TSN’s Kristen Shilton about the trade and his affection for Las Vegas.
It was definitely a shock for me, didn’t see that one coming. I thought I was going to be there. It’s a big business and you can never control those things. I understand that and I’m definitely over it. I’m really excited to be a part of [this] and it’s nice to feel wanted here. -Calvin Pickard, Toronto Marlies goaltender
Shilton brought up the all touchy subjects. His expectations with the Golden Knights, renting a house, and the fan-selected goalie mask. Which, he still wears.
I’m still wearing the mask. I have no plans for it… it’s a pretty cool mask, so I might keep it. -Pickard
It’s not surprising to hear Pickard say he was caught off guard, we all were too. That being said, we all were a bit naive to assume he was the goalie of the future here, because as we’ve been preaching, everyone’s an asset.
It was certainly a wake-up call to the 25-year-old though. It’s a lesson for fans as well, be careful when you spend $275 for a custom jersey.
It was a tough 24 hours just kind of waiting around and playing the guessing game. I didn’t know if I was going to get picked up or not, I didn’t think so because it was right around the time when rosters were being set. [The trade] happened pretty much right away when I cleared. -Pickard
We’ll never find out why Pickard was moved. Maybe, the organization valued Malcolm Subban that much. Or team was simply seeking a mid-level prospect like Tobias Lindberg. Either way, both sides have moved on. Well, sorta.
I keep tabs on [the Golden Knights] because I know a lot of the guys there, but it’s not my worry… I’m not there anymore and my focus is here for sure. -Pickard
It’s alright Calvin, Vegas fans won’t forget you. You were an OG Golden Knight. You traveled to Montana, and you let fans design your badass goalie mask. So we’ll keep tabs on you as well.
Any way you would consider selling that mask to Subban?
Stevie
I believe Pickard was moved because Dave Prior really likes Subban’s potential upside and McPhee is more concerned with his 3-5 year plan than wins this year. Thank you for the update on Pick, I figured he would handle this as he is, but good to have that confirmed. High quality backup and high quality person.
Craig A Kellogg
There’s something special about Subban’s plain white mask with the decals from the pro-shop on it. It would be awesome if he stuck with that look.
Cody
Pickard is so overrated it’s absurd. Fans clambering for this team or that team to get him have obviously never watched him. They just hate Subban or they have some abstract qualm about how it unfolded. Pickard was expendable.