NHL Rumors: 3 Goalies Who May Be Traded Next Season

There's been a ton of movement this offseason across the NHL and that's not going to be slowing down anytime soon. With a current flat cap that's expected to make a major jump in the next couple of seasons, general managers across the league are trying to set themselves up to make a run at the Stanley Cup. We saw a goalie carousal this summer when free agency opened, and the movement in the crease will continue throughout the 2022-23 season. Here's three goalies to watch on the trade front:

Mackenzie Blackwood, New Jersey Devils

When the New Jersey Devils acquired Vitek Vanecek from the Washington Capitals, it immediately put Mackenzie Blackwood on notice. The Devils have given Blackwood quite the long leash early on in his career and with a contract season coming up in 2022-23, the team now puts the ball in Blackwood's court to perform. The one-time 'goalie of the future' appeared in only 25 games last season, recording a 3.39 GAA and a .892 Sv.%. If the 25-year-old former second-round pick can't get back on track next season, look for the Devils to explore the trade market.

James Reimer, San Jose Sharks

There's going to be a number of teams looking for goaltending depth near the trade deadline next season and one name to watch is San Jose Sharks veteran James Reimer. The 34-year-old is entering the final season of his contract and while the Sharks haven't been great of late, Reimer's numbers have been solid. Last season he posted a 2.90 GAA and a .911 SV.% on a mediocre team. He's shown he can still get the job done and with Kaapo Kahkonen the goaltender of the future, look for the Sharks to cash in on their veteran asset.

Chris Driedger, Seattle Kraken

When the Seattle Kraken signed free-agent goaltender Martin Jones to a one-year $2 million deal this summer, many around the league scratched their heads. The Kraken already have Philipp Grubauer and Chris Driedger signed for at least two more seasons. Word is, the team isn't thrilled with what they've seen from Driedger's game and continue to troll the waters for a trade. The 28-year-old is set to make $3.5 million next season and holds a modified no-trade clause which protects him from 10 teams of his choice. Considering how much the Kraken prioritized cap space in the past, it's weird to see how things have shaped up in their crease this summer.

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