It’s been speculated for a while that the Dallas Stars were going to need to make a decision when it comes to their goaltending. Rumors were that the team was actively trying to trade Anton Khudobin, electing to stick with Braden Holtby and Jake Oettinger as their two main options in net. With news that Ben Bishop was going on long-term injury reserve, it was only a matter of trying to move Khudobin.
Apparently, a trade wasn’t possible as the Stars placed Khudobin on waivers Monday afternoon.
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Multiple outlets are reporting the news and Friedman called it a “whopper” of a decision. Khudobin was a stud in the 2020 NHL playoff bubble and has one more season after this one on his current contract at $3.33 million per season. He’s a $3.75 million cash hit to whatever team picks him up and that’s likely to be someone as there are teams in need of goaltending help, specifically the Buffalo Sabres.
Khudobin had a four-team no-trade list, and it’s not clear if that stood in the way of a deal getting done. Perhaps other interested clubs knew the waiver option was inevitable and didn’t want to give up assets to land the player.
Stars general manager Jim Nill said the team waived Khudobin for two reasons: Dallas needs the roster spot with its current injuries and illnesses, and Khudobin needs to play games. In the games Khudobin has played this season, he’s not been very good. Over 7 games, has 3.73 GAA and a .873 SV%. He has a negative-7.51 goal saved above expected.
There is speculation that both the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres have reached out in the past about acquiring him in a trade.
Next: Oilers Could Get Mike Smith Back for Tuesday’s Game vs. Maple Leafs
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