Report: NHL teams shopping for goaltenders this summer
Teams that potentially could be looking for goaltenders this offseason.
Calgary Flames
David Rittich is a pending RFA and will be looking at a significant raise from the $800k he made last season. The Flames will need to secure a backup to balance the workload for Rittich. Mike Smith could be brought back or Curtis McElhinney could be a similar replacement for Smith.
Carolina Hurricanes
Mrazek and McElhinney are both UFAs and coming off good seasons with the Hurricanes. McElhinney is 36 and could be looking for a 1-2 year contract elsewhere this summer.
Chicago Blackhawks
Corey Crawford has 1 year left on his contract but has a terrible injury history. Cam Ward is a UFA but the Hawks are looking to upgrade. Colin Delia has shown signs of being a reliable backup in this league. The Blackhawks need to look at another option if Crawford goes down again next season.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Bobrovsky and Kinkaid are both UFAs and Joonas Korpisalo is a RFA. Bobrovsky will not be brought back by the Jackets. Columbus could take a shot at Robin Lehner on a long term deal or possibly look at smaller term for goalies like Mike Smith or Semyon Varlamov.
Edmonton Oilers
Mikko Koskinen has 3 more years left with the Oilers. He will need to prove himself to Holland and the Oilers brass that he can be the #1 guy. Holland is familiar with Mrazek in Detroit and new head coach Dave Tippett has ties with Mike Smith from his time in Arizona.
New York Islanders
Thomas Greiss is under contract for one more year with the Islanders. Lehner will be the the most valued goaltender in free agency and the Islanders may need to replace him. Lehner has shown interest in staying in New York but there will be a bidding war for his services in the summer.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers have 4 free agent goaltenders in Cam Talbot, Brian Elliott, Michal Neuvirth and Mike McKenna. Carter Hart is the future for the Flyers but is still young and the Flyers will need to kick tires on keeping Cam Talbot or they will need to find a veteran backup to work with Hart. Mike Smith or Curtis McElhinney could be options as backup if Talbot is not brought back.
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