Anaheim Ducks
Goalie Market Heating Up Ahead of the Deadline
Elliotte Friedman talks on 32 Thoughts the Podcast about how the NHL goalie market is heating up, as teams realize they need 3 goalies.
On the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts the Podcast, Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas discussed the Ottawa Senators and Linus Ullmark‘s injury. They brought up the potential of the Senators to acquire another goalie to add stability while Ullmark is sidelined with his injury. That brought up the overall topic of the goalie market and how it is heating up ahead of the 2025 NHL trade deadline.
Friedman’s Thoughts on the Goalie Market
Friedman detailed how he believes every NHL team has recognized that they need at least three goalies to contend for a playoff spot.
Friedman had this to say:
“You’re looking and saying, okay, if I need another goalie, where am I going to get them from? Okay, now we’ve already had a couple of goalie trades. So you are wondering, how many goalies are even available now? The second thing you’re looking at is, how many teams are still in the race that are going to want to help you. The third thing you’re looking at is, a lot of these teams that are in the playoffs right now, or around the playoffs right now, they are saying we need three guys.”
Friedman and Bukauskas also touched on a few teams that could have some goalies available for trade.
What Goalies Are Out There On the Market?
They mentioned the following goalies as potential options:
- Cayden Primeau
- John Gibson
- Alexander Georgiev
- Vitek Vanecek
Gibson is far and away the most experienced goalie on the list. He also comes at a cost. The Anaheim Ducks aren’t going to give him away, and he’s locked in on a deal that pays him $6.4 million over the next three seasons. A team must commit to an aging netminder with a hefty price tag. His numbers haven’t been stellar, but he’s had a strong 2024-25 season.
While these goalies make sense for a team in goalie trouble, their availability is based on how their teams are doing. It may be hard to acquire one, given that fewer goalies are available on the open market ahead of the deadline. This will make the asking price go up, which will require teams to give up more assets if they want to trade for a goalie.
The laws of supply and demand are not in favor of buyers right now. Average to below-average goalies are going at above-average prices.
Next: Conference Rival Unlikely to Bail Out Senators During Trade Hunt
