NHL Rumors: 3 Goalies Expected to be Traded Before Deadline

The goaltending market in the NHL is heating up as teams are trying to acquire some more depth before the trade deadline. A number of teams will become sellers and netminders are expected to be involved in the transactions. Let's dive into three goalies who are expected to be moved before Mar. 21:

Anton Forsberg

The Ottawa Senators are no where near the playoff picture and have a number of pending free agents they are expected to sell off, including Forsberg. He's a 29-year-old goalie who is having himself a decent season on a very bad hockey team, recording an impressive 7-6-1 record with a 3.01 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. Forsberg isn't expected to play much down the stretch as the team looks to get one-time goalie of the future Matt Murray more comfortable and performing. 

Anton Forsberg again. Holy mama. pic.twitter.com/l9XvECevMZ

— Everyday Sens  (@EverydaySens) January 23, 2022

The Senators are likely to hear from the Washington Capitals, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers regarding a deal involving Forsberg. A mid-round draft pick should be enough to start the conversation.

Jaroslav Halak

The veteran netminder holds all the power as Halak owns a no-movement clause that was a sneaky insertion from his agent before signing in Vancouver last summer. The deal also includes a $1.25 million bonus for playing 10 games, and a $250,000 for posting a save % higher than .905. A great contract that has implications on next year's salary cap, which is why some teams may be hesitant to pick him up. Regardless, the Canucks are not expected to play Halak any more before the deadline as they try to convince him about a move. The Edmonton Oilers would love to get their hands on him, and he's reportedly been discussed in Colorado. If he wants to stay in Vancouver, it's certainly within his right, so this will be an interesting storyline to follow heading into late March.

Chris Driedger

The Seattle Kraken were hoping Driedger would push Phillip Grubauer for the starting job but unfortunately it just hasn't worked out that way. He joined Seattle after a couple of fine seasons for the Florida Panthers, signing a three-year deal worth $3.5 million per season. He holds no-trade protection against 10 teams, and has become a name to watch as we creep closer to the deadline. The Kraken are out of the playoff picture and the team could cash in on the interest in Driedger. There's been reports the Edmonton Oilers contacted the Kraken, along with the Capitals. 

These three goalies are likely on the move before March's trade deadline with Forsberg at the top of the list.

Photo credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports