NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Goalies Likely Involved in Offseason Trade Talks
The 2024 offseason is still several weeks away however the summer trade market is already starting to take shape. Several candidates have been identified on each team as prime trade assets, meanwhile more specifically, the goaltender market is expected to be very busy come late June and into July.
Here's five goalies who are the most likely to be traded of any this summer:
Jacob Markstrom
This past season was a complete mess for the Calgary Flames on and off the ice and Markstrom was stuck in the middle of it all. There was a trade in place with the New Jersey Devils and Markstrom agreed to waive his trade protection to make it happen and then the deal fell through at the eleventh hour. Look for GM Craig Conroy to pick up talks again this summer as Calgary looks to find ways to create more cap flexibility this offseason. If it's not the Devils, the LA Kings could come calling.
Darcy Kuemper
The Capitals have moved on to Charlie Lindgren as their number one netminder and Kuemper, along with his $5.25 million AAV the next three seasons are likely to hit the trade market. He does hold 10-team no-trade clause this summer, but that shouldn't tie the hands of Caps management enough to not get a deal done. Washington needs help up front and needs to rid themselves of Kuemper's contract.
Elvis Merzlikins
The Blue Jackets are expected to overhaul their roster which could include moving out Johnny Gaudreau and also Merzlikins, who requested a trade last season. He wasn't a fan of sharing the crease and with the team looking to change directions substantially this summer, Merzlikins is a prime candidate to be moved. He's owed $5.4 million annually for three more seasons.
Tristan Jarry
Perhaps a surprise entry on the list, Jarry lost his starting job to Alex Nedeljkovic as the Penguins were trying to sneak into the playoffs. He just signed a long-term extension with the Pens before the season started and now Kyle Dubas may need to pivot in a major way. Jarry posted a .903Sv.% in 51 games this season and with his regular season success the past three years, there's a market for the 29-year-old who is owed $5.3 million AAV through 2027-28. Jarry has a modified 12-team no-trade clause where he submits a new list of teams each July.
Filip Gustavsson
When the Minnesota Wild re-signed Marc-Andre Fleury, Gustavsson immediately became a prime trade candidate. The Wild have Jesper Wallstedt who is ready for prime time and is likely going to share duties with Fleury next season. Minnesota needs to find some help up front and with limited cap space thanks to the buy outs of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, Bill Guerin will need to get creative to create flexibility. Gustavsson is among the most likely to be moved of these five netminders named.
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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