Trade Rumor: Pittsburgh Penguins To Add Backup Goalie

According to Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, the Pittsburgh Penguins may start looking for a new backup goaltender because of Casey DeSmith's recent struggles.

In three games so far this season, DeSmith has a 0-2-1 record, 4.72 GAA and .856%. Kingerski also noted in his piece that DeSmith has let in at least four goals in seven of his previous nine starts. Thus, his issues in goal are very alarming.

The Penguins are off to a rough start this season, as they have a 5-5-4 record. Therefore, we could see them make a move sooner rather than later in an attempt to get back on track.

There are some interesting options for them to consider. The biggest name is of course Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. That's the kind of reunion hockey fans would love to see, but Chicago would absolutely need to retain salary to make it possible. Therefore, it does make it harder for a trade to happen.

A few cheaper candidates include Joonas Korpisalo and Braden Holtby.

It is well-known that the Blue Jackets are shopping Korpisalo, as he is a free agent this summer and Elvis Merzlikins is their long-term goalie.

As for Holtby, the Stars are getting Ben Bishop back soon, so that could make him expendable. The Stars will have three goalies on the NHL roster, and that doesn't even include Jack Oettinger. With Holtby having one year left at $2 million, he could be an intriguing option for Pittsburgh if made officially available.