NHL Rumors: 3 Central Division Goalies Expected To Change Teams This Summer

Welcome to the latest series at NHLTR where we'll dive into each division across the NHL and examine the most likely trade candidates or players expected to change teams this summer. Forwards, defensemen and goaltenders, you will see them all as it's expected to be a wild and wacky summer of transactions. 

For our sixth segment, let's dive into goaltenders from the central division who could be changing jerseys for the 2022-23 season:

Ville Husso, St Louis Blues

One of the more interesting free agents expected to hit the open market in July 13, Ville Husso is in line for a nice pay raise on his $750,000 salary. It's just unlikely to come from the St Louis Blues after a disappointing performance during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The only reason Husso played down the stretch was because of Jordan Binnington's knee injury and with Binnington signed long term, look for Husso to get overpaid by a new team this summer. The New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres are two teams to watch here and if the Toronto Maple Leafs lose Jack Campbell, the Leafs could also be interested in the free-agent netminder.

Braden Holtby, Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars crease belongs to Jake Oettinger, and that's not going to be changing any time soon. Braden Holtby couldn't stay healthy in his first season in Big D, and with their future in the hands of Oettinger, look for Dallas to use their resources in another area. Holtby could find himself as a candidate for the western Canadian teams and could even be in play to return to the Washington Capitals if they decide to make changes in net. There's going to be a number of interested teams this summer and it won't be long after July 13 where we'll see Holtby sign his new deal with another team besides the Stars. The 32-year-old recorded a .913 save % in 24 appearances in 2021-22, his best production since 2016-17.

Marc-Andre Fleury, Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild are saying all the right things as far as their interest goes in bringing back Marc-Andre Fleury, but frankly, it's unlikely to happen. The Wild have cap issues and money is tight and while Fleury won't be signing for $7 million this summer, his cap hit will be too much for Minny to handle. It's been a roller coaster couple of seasons for 'The Flower' who went from Vezina trophy to shipped out for town for nobody in Vegas. The Chicago Blackhawks struggled and the netminder ended up getting traded again mid-season. Look for Fleury to have interest in finishing out his career as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, which could result in a two-year deal this summer.

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