3 Potential Landings Spots For Trade Target Darcy Kuemper

The Arizona Coyotes are expected to be big sellers this summer. They have already moved Conor Garland and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but that was just the beginning. One name who is also available from them is goaltender Darcy Kuemper. He has one year and carries a cap hit of $4.5 million, so teams in need of a goalie will certainly be interested. In 27 games this season, he had a 10-11-3 record with a .907 save percentage.

Here are two potential landing spots for the 31-year-old.

Edmonton Oilers: The Edmonton Oilers just re-signed Mike Smith to a two-year extension, but they are still looking for an upgrade. Frank Seravalli also noted that the Oilers may be buying out Mikko Koskinen, so a spot will be available. By trading for Kuemper, the Oilers would have a nice one-two punch with him and Smith.

Boston Bruins: The Boston Bruins have been linked to Kuemper this off-season, and it would make sense for them to trade for him. Tuukka Rask has an expired contract and will be out until at least January 2022 if he is brought back. It also has been confirmed that Jaroslav Halak will be a free agent this summer. They could use a Jeremy Swayman-Daniel Vladar tandem, but that is risky with them both being rookies. Bringing a veteran like Kuemper may be the best course of action because of this.

Toronto Maple Leafs: According to David Pagnotta, the Toronto Maple Leafs are having discussions about a potential Kuemper trade. He also noted that the Coyotes would need to retain some of his salary, as the Leafs do have their cap trouble. It does make sense for them to acquire him, as he would be an upgrade from pending UFA Frederik Andersen.

Coyotes G Darcy Kuemper continues to draw trade interest from multiple teams, including Toronto. Arizona may retain some of his $4.5M cap hit as part of a deal, but I’m hearing the price is quite high. Something to watch.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 26, 2021

Honorable Mentions: If the Colorado Avalanche are unable to re-sign Philipp Grubauer, they should pursue Kuemper, too. The Washington Capitals also just lost Vitek Vanacek in the Expansion Draft to the Kraken, so perhaps they will jump into the sweepstakes as well.