5 Goalies Being Discussed in Trade Talks Ahead of 2024 Deadline
The NHL's trade deadline is just around the corner and it won't be long until we see a flurry of activity, specifically in the crease. The goalie market is as hot as ever and multiple teams are currently discussing offers, with several playoff-bound teams considering upgrading in net.
Here's five goalies currently on the trade market as the March 8 trade deadline approaches:
Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators
The best of the bunch and the Predators know it. GM Barry Trotz has been listening on Saros for several weeks now and so far, no deal has come across his desk that he's been comfortable with. Nashville is re-tooling and Trotz has one of the best goalie prospects in the league waiting in the wings so Saros is becoming expendable. The Vezina trophy candidate is having a so-so season, posting a 21-21-2 record, along with 3.02 GAA and .902 Sv%. He has another season left on his deal at $5 million and does not hold any trade protection. Trotz is asking for two first-rounders, one top prospect and a fourth asset in any deal.
John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
Gibson has heard the rumors before but this season, it's different. GM Pat Verbeek appears committed to finding Gibson a change of scenery and it could be finally time the two sides part ways. Gibson's been linked to the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres, and has a 10-team no-trade clause on his contract, which is paying him $6.4 million AAV through the 2026-27 season.
Jakob Markstrom, Calgary Flames
Speaking of the Devils, they thought they had a deal done to acquire Markstrom and it recently crumbled at the last minute. The veteran netminder is having a nice bounce-back season in Calgary and has posted a 17-15-2 record, along with a 2.59 GAA and .913Sv.%. Markstrom has two more seasons on his deal at $6 million AAV and again, was open to waiving his no-movement clause to join the Devils, so look for these two teams to renew talks in the coming days.
Marc-Andre Fleury, Minnesota Wild,
The future hall-of-famer had a four-hour meeting with his agent recently and let it be known the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes are on his approval list for his NMC. The Wild are going to wait until the last possible minute before pulling the trigger as Fleury will only approve a deal if Minnesota is out of the playoff picture. The pending free agent is owed $3.5 million against the cap.
Jake Allen, Montreal Canadiens
Speaking of the Avalanche, they've been in contact with the Canadiens regarding Allen recently and some even felt a deal was done. Not the case as the Habs look to move out Allen and decrease the clutter in their crease as they've carried three goaltenders for the entire season. Allen has a decorated resume, he's a proven winner and on a contending team, could be a great addition. He's owed $3.85 million against the cap this season and next and holds a seven-team no-trade clause entering this season's deadline.
Photo credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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