One interesting scenario to monitor during the upcoming NHL free agency period is the goaltender market. Several big names are set to become unrestricted free agents (UFA) including Robin Lehner, Corey Crawford, Braden Holtby, and Jacob Markström. Playoff sensation Anton Khudobin also needs a contract and likely upped his asking price during his time in the Edmonton bubble. Then you have Thomas Greiss, Cam Talbot, and recently bought out Henrik Lundqvist. And the list goes on and the choices for teams needing an upgrade seems endless.
Related: Flames Checking In on Availability of Multiple NHL Goaltenders
Those are just the UFA’s! Marc Andre-Fleury will likely want a new net after the Vegas Golden Knight playoff run – especially after Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, became a comic and Golden Knight critic. Then there is speculation that the Pittsburgh Penguins might look to move a goaltender, and the odd man out could be two-time Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray.
Coyotes’ Crease Chatter
This flood in the crease has resulted in plenty of chatter about other NHL goaltender movement. As the Arizona Coyotes search for cap room, goaltender Darcy Kuemper’s name has been floated in several trade rumors over the past few weeks. The Coyotes seem to be going back and forth given on moving or keeping Kuemper given the market. Yesterday, Brian La Rose from MSN reported that newly appointed GM Bill Armstrong will be asking for a first round pick and an additional ‘piece’ to move Kuemper. That likely prices the Coyotes starter out of the market at this point.
Bruins Appraising the Market
Then there is surprising (or is it?) talk of the Boston Bruins gauging the market on Tukka Rask. Several reports have recently surfaced suggesting Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney has reached out to teams trying to determine what the market value might be for Rask. Could Rask’s early playoff exit have something to do with that?
One thing is certain – this buyer’s market likely means several starting goaltenders will have new addresses when the 20/21 season begins. Will the goalie carousel begin prior too, or after the draft?
NEXT: Coyotes Change Directions on Darcy Kuemper Trade
