Trade Watch: Goalie Market Heating Up
The NHL goalie market is going to be fun to watch this season as there's expected to be multiple goaltenders moved before the trade deadline. As we creep closer to the American Thanksgiving holiday, trade talks have started to pick up and we should see some more action in the coming weeks. Here's three netminders rumored to be involved in trade discussions of late:
Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are struggling and appear set for the NHL draft lottery. The team has Elvis Merzlikins who they committed to with a long-term contract last season and 23-year-old Daniil Tarasov who has been dubbed their goaltender of the future. Last offseason backup Joonas Korpisalo had to settle on a one-year deal at $1.3 million. Korpisalo finds himself as a prime trade target and has already been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers. The 28-year-old tops our list as a netminder who could be moved this season.
James Reimer, San Jose Sharks
Another basement-dwelling team, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer is likely being moved this season. The Sharks are open for business and have held trade talks with several teams already this season. General manager Mike Grier kick started the rebuild with a Brent Burns trade over the summer and Reimer is one of the Sharks veterans who's next. At only $2.25 million against the books and a strong start to this season despite the Sharks struggles, Reimer can help a number of Stanley Cup contending teams with their depth. Keep an eye on the Penguins, Washington Capitals, and Buffalo Sabres when it comes to a Reimer deal.
Anthony Stolarz, Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks won't be a playoff team this season and management will be busy. Anthony Stolarz is a goalie who is expected to be moved this season. The 28-year-old is a cheap option at only $950,000 against the cap. Even with John Gibson struggling, the Ducks would be smart to cash in on their asset before the deadline. The former second-round pick has appeared in six games this season, posting a .907 save %. His .917 last season and .926 Sv.% the year before were impressive and Stolarz could help a number of teams.
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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