4 Goaltenders Named for Hurricanes to Pursue

The Carolina Hurricanes' search for a goaltender is continuing in earnest. With Frederik Andersen out for months, the need has become exacerbated.

Speaking on TSN's Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun said the Canes were in discussions with the San Jose Sharks on Mackenzie Blackwood, but they couldn't beat the Colorado Avalanche's offer.

"From Carolina’s perspective, they need insurance behind [Pyotr] Kochetkov," said LeBrun. "They have their No. 1 already, but they’re a little concerned with what happens if he goes down, especially at playoff time. That’s why they continue to make calls around the league."

LeBrun went on to list four goaltenders that are options for the Hurricanes:

Dan Vladar, Calgary Flames
Anton Forsberg, Ottawa Senators
Karel Vejmelka, Utah Hockey Club
John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

The issue, he notes, with the first three on that list, is that those teams are all pushing to make the playoffs at this time and will likely not be in the market to trade one of those netminders, while the Hurricanes "are ready to trade for one now."

But in the case of Gibson and the Ducks... That's another story.

This potential connection has been made already this season, and the Canes have talked with Anaheim about the veteran 'keeper. But the issue comes down to Gibson's contract.

The 31-year-old still has two years to run after this one with a $6.4 million annual cap hit.

LeBrun says that the Ducks' price will have to come down for Carolina GM Eric Tulsky to take the bait.