NHL Rumors: Top 3 Goaltenders Expected to Become Free Agents

The NHL free agency gets started later than usual this year as teams and fans alike will have to wait until July 13 for the festivities to begin. We all know there will be lots of buzz long before then and one market that's going to be fun to watch will be the goaltending. Some serious talent could be up for grabs on the open market, let's take a look at the top three is no particular order:

Darcy Kuemper

The Colorado Avalanche always seemed to have goaltending rumors surrounding their hockey club and it never really made sense when Darcy Kuemper was consistently posting stellar numbers. He's been great this season in Denver posting numbers that include a record of 32-9-5, 2.37 goals against average and .925 save %. Coming off a $4.5 million cap hit on his current deal, look for Kuemper to land a raise but not necessarily for the longest term of this trio. The veteran turns 32 in May and is likely looking at three or four-year contract.

Whoever ends up with the former sixth-round pick of the Minnesota Wild is going to have a consistent back stop to rely on. Kuemper's performed well regardless of where he's played and it shouldn't shock anyone to see him stay with the Avalanche who are expected to be interested in getting a fair deal done. Other teams involved if given the chance will likely be the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, and Montreal Canadiens.

Marc-Andre Fleury

Another interesting offseason awaits Marc-Andre Fleury. After winning the Vezina trophy as the league's best netminder he shortly then after was traded by the Vegas Golden Knights for a player who was eventually released. He was supposed to be in store for a season of success with the resurgent Chicago Blackhawks, it turned into anything but and now the summer brings plenty of anticipation as 'Flower's next move looms.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet recently mentioned via 32 Thoughts he could see Fleury heading back to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins always seemed to be linked to their old back stop throughout the entire season even with limited cap space and Fleury's $7 million to worry about. The Wild's asking price at the deadline of a first-round pick or even conditional first was something Penguins management had no interest in discussing. This summer the stakes change for everyone involved. As for what he's been up to lately, after posting a .908 save % in 45 appearances with the Blackhawks, Fleury has settled in nicely with the Minnesota Wild and looks poised for a long Stanley Cup playoff run with his old pal Bill Guerin.

Ville Husso

The St Louis Blues have themselves an elite goalie on their hands and some interesting conversations in store this summer. Ville Husso has taken St Louis by storm and has run away with the starting position in the Blues crease, winning seven of his last eight starts. We'll see how things shape up in his first Stanley Cup action in the coming weeks and if things go as planned, the 27-year-old sophomore could be in store for a long-term contract. Husso will head to free agent talks with under 100 NHL games under his belt.

The Blues also have Jordan Binnington on the books making $6 million per season, signed through 2026-27. Binnington holds a no-trade clause which could make things even more interesting for Blues general manager Doug Armstrong. The Edmonton Oilers would likely be interested in the approval rating.

As for Husso, the former 2014 fourth-rounder has posted a 23-6-2 record this season to go along with a 2.37 GAA and .925 save%. He's been a wall this season and is the best bargain in the NHL, making only $750,000. This makes his next contract a little tricky due to service time and the fact Husso's 27. Goalies always seem to hit their stride later on in their careers so St Louis may have a gem on their hands for years to come. Patience has paid off for management eight years later. If Husso hits the open market come July 13, the bidding war will be fun to watch as expect to see some expensive short-term deals thrown out in rumors along with some long-term deals likely in the $4-6 million range. Decisions, decisions. These three tendies have a big one to make this summer.