In recent years, not many goaltenders have changed places leading up to the trade deadline. For the most part, teams have been content with the depth they have with only the odd squad looking for an upgrade on their current backup or someone to serve as a third-stringer and injury insurance. Plenty can change between now and the February 25th trade deadline but this year certainly has the potential to buck the trend.
For starters, the supply of rental goaltenders is higher than usual. There are multiple number one goalies out there in Jimmy Howard (Detroit) and Semyon Varlamov (Colorado) while who knows what will happen with Sergei Bobrovsky (Columbus). On top of that, there are also quite a few veterans who could be viewed as a number two upgrade, including Keith Kinkaid (New Jersey), one of Petr Mrazek or Curtis McElhinney (Carolina), and Chad Johnson (Anaheim) while Cam Talbot (Edmonton) has been in trade speculation as of late as well. Once they return from their respective injuries, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Philadelphia try to find takers for Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth.
That type of supply of rental options hasn’t been there in recent years and we haven’t even got to players with term yet. Craig Anderson (Ottawa) has one year left after this one and may attract some interest for a team not wanting to turn to the UFA market next summer. Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles) has been in speculation lately but with four years after this one, that may be a move for the offseason. Jake Allen’s time in St. Louis has been in question all season long. Anyone looking for help between the pipes has plenty of options to choose from.
Also different from recent years is the number of teams that could be on the lookout for another netminder. David Rittich in Calgary has done quite well but with Mike Smith struggling, they’ll likely want some insurance. Florida has two goalies under contract but the performances of Roberto Luongo and James Reimer have shown that an upgrade is needed so they’re a team that would target someone with term remaining. Aaron Dell has been shaky in San Jose so it wouldn’t be shocking to see them looking for other short-term options. Vegas has been hesitant to play Malcolm Subban so they’re likely on the lookout for a number two upgrade as well. Other teams could view some of the rental options as injury insurance.
There are some years where in-season goalie moves are few and far between. With the number of netminders that appear to be available and the number of teams that could be looking for upgrades or extra depth, that’s not likely to be the case within the next month.
So lots of teams are looking to trade goalies… but does anyone want one?
Yeah, there are a few teams that need to solidify the position. And, for them it’s good fortune that it’s a buyer’s market.
Trade Quick ASAP. He won’t fetch you a Kings ransom…. but he will get you a good return and the Kings need to jumpstart this rebuild. Muzzin, Carter, toffoli, Lewis, etc…. those names aren’t bringing anything worthwhile back. MAYBE Muzzin, but that’s only if a team is really desperate enough to give up a 1st round pick. Should’ve traded Doughty when they had the chance….
Who though? Maybe Calgary. But they’re not going to give up a boatload when they’ve already got a guy that’s doing the job. Maybe The Islanders, but are they going to give up a top prospect or a first for a rental when they’re in tough in the first round regardless of their goaltending? The market for guys with term, I can see being a little busy. But for rentals? I don’t see it.