NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Goalies On The Trade Block
The 2024-25 NHL season is just a few weeks old, and there's been several goaltenders who have come out of the gates struggling. While an October trade is very unlikely, once American Thanksgiving hits in November, the trade market will be picking up steam.
Here's five goalies to keep an eye on, as potential trade candidates the next couple of months:
Ville Husso, Detroit Red Wings
Husso started the season opener for the Red Wings this season and was shelled for four goals on 14 shots. He was then sent down to the AHL quickly after, as Detroit decided to quickly turn to Cam Talbot and more so now, Alex Lyon. Husso accepted his demotion and posted a shutout in his first start in the minors. If he's able to maintain some success in Grand Rapids, teams will begin to notice. Husso is a pending unrestricted free-agent, set to make $3.6 million this season.
Tristan Jarry, Pittsburgh Penguins
First it was Joel Blomqvist, and now that Alex Nedeljkovic is healthy, Jarry isn't playing. He started the season opener and was shelled, and essentially hasn't recovered since, posting a 5.47 GAA and .836 Sv.% in his three appearances. The Penguins are going to have to retain some salary or throw in a massive sweetener to facilitate any Jarry trade, as the 29-year-old netminder is set to earn $5.3 million, through the 2027-28 season. Jarry owns a 12-team no-trade list. The Pens continue to carry all three goaltenders on their roster.
Mackenzie Blackwood, San Jose Sharks
With top prospect Yaroslav Askarov posting back-to-back shutouts at the AHL level, he's going to be called up very soon, which makes Blackwood expendable. So far through four games this season, the pending free-agent netminder has posted a 0-2-2 record, along with a 4.09 GAA. There's several teams dealing with injury concerns early on, perhaps Blackwood is seen as a stop-gap option in the days ahead.
Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets
This is familiar territory for Merzlikins, as he's requested a trade out of Columbus in the past. Youngster Daniil Tarasov has taken over the starter's crease for the Blue Jackets, and doesn't appear to be giving it up anytime soon. Columbus is looking ahead to the future and feel their best chance to win will be with Tarasov between the pipes. Merzlikins, on the other hand, has registered a .854 Sv.% in his two losses this season. He's set to earn $5.4 million for two more seasons, and his trade protection covers 10 teams. Another situation where could we see a struggling goalie moved for a struggling goalie? Or, with the Blue Jackets have to add a prospect or a draft pick to get a team to bite.
Philipp Grubauer, Seattle Kraken
Through his first four appearances, Grubauer has posted a 1-3-0 record, with a .881 Sv.%. Meanwhile, Joey Daccord was just handed a long-term contract extension and has won all three starts to kick off his campaign. The 32-year-old Grubauer has two seasons left on his contract, carrying a $5.9 million AAV and a 10-team no-trade clause. With Daccord's extension kicking in next season, look for the Kraken to try their best to offload Grubauer at some point this year.
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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