NHL Rumors: 3 Metropolitan Division Goalies Likely Traded This Summer

Welcome to the latest series at NHLTR where we'll examine each division across the NHL and showcase the most likely trade candidates. Forwards, defensemen and goaltenders, we have you covered as it's expected to be a busy summer of transactions. For this segment it's time to highlight three goaltenders from the Metropolitan Division who have become trade candidates this summer:

Semyon Varlamov, New York Islanders

After a season full of trade rumors, Semyon Varlamov remained with the New York Islanders, however that soon could be changing. The Isles are expected to try and move on from their veteran netminder at the NHL entry draft as the team tries to create more cap flexibility for their offseason. The 34-year-old Russian netminder appeared in 31 games last season, posting an impressive .911 SV.%. There's a lot of teams who could use more depth in their crease including the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils.

Ilya Samsonov, Washington Capitals

After being slated as the 'goalie of the future', Ilya Samsonov's future has become questionable with the Washington Capitals. The team has two major decisions to make as he and Vitek Vanecek are restricted free agents and it's not likely both goalies are back with the Capitals next season. Trade talks surrounded Washington all season long and they even tried to get Marc-Andre Fleury to join the team, falling up short on that bid. This offseason talks will continue and look for Samsonov's name to be out there on the trade market around the NHL draft and into early July when free agency begins.

Alexandar Georgiev, New York Rangers

As we all have seen these Stanley Cup Playoffs, the New York Rangers are Igor Shesterkin's team and that's not going to be changing any time soon. Pending restricted free-agent backup Alexandar Georgiev has become a prime trade target as there's a number of teams who would love to give him a look as a starter. Georgiev appeared in 33 games in 2021-22, posting a 2.92 GAA and a .898 Sv.%. To this point, he's also managed to get into two playoff games, showing nicely with a 2.04 GAA and a .935 Sv.%. Look for the Rangers to consider all options this summer and moving Georgiev for a cheaper replacement could be in the cards on Broadway. 

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports