The upcoming NHL offseason promises an intriguing goaltender market. Several notable names could be on the move, driven by team rebuilding efforts, salary cap constraints, and organizational depth.
Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues is a player to watch. With one year remaining on his contract before unrestricted free agency, and with St. Louis reportedly looking to shake things up under new GM Alex Steen, Binnington’s future is uncertain. His past success, including a Stanley Cup win in 2019 and international accomplishments with Team Canada, makes him an appealing option for teams seeking experienced goaltending.
Adin Hill from the Vegas Golden Knights is also a potential trade candidate, primarily due to salary cap pressures. Hill has been overshadowed by Carter Hart during the playoffs and has several years remaining on his contract. Vegas faces the need to clear cap space to re-sign key restricted free agents like Rasmus Andersson and Pavel Dorofeyev, making Hill a vulnerable asset. Despite injury concerns that have affected his consistency, Hill’s size, athleticism, and Conn Smythe votes received in 2023 demonstrate his high-level capabilities.
Younger goaltending prospects also present opportunities. In the Detroit Red Wings system, Sebastian Cossa saw limited playing time late in the season and was surpassed on the depth chart. With his waiver eligibility approaching next season, and with Trey Augustine also in the system, Detroit might consider moving Cossa to a team seeking a developing goaltender.
Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres, along with their AHL affiliate Rochester Americans, is another name generating interest. Buffalo’s crease is already crowded with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis. Levi, who did not secure an NHL start this past season, is reportedly attracting attention from other NHL clubs.
While the free agent market at the top end may be limited to players like Stuart Skinner and Sergei Bobrovsky, the trade market and the movement of existing NHL goaltenders are expected to create significant activity throughout the league as the offseason progresses.
English Translation:
The upcoming NHL offseason promises an intriguing goaltender market. Several notable names could be on the move, driven by team rebuilding efforts, salary cap constraints, and organizational depth.
Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues is a player to watch. With one year remaining on his contract before unrestricted free agency, and with St. Louis reportedly looking to shake things up under new GM Alex Steen, Binnington’s future is uncertain. His past success, including a Stanley Cup win in 2019 and international accomplishments with Team Canada, makes him an appealing option for teams seeking experienced goaltending.
Adin Hill from the Vegas Golden Knights is also a potential trade candidate, primarily due to salary cap pressures. Hill has been overshadowed by Carter Hart during the playoffs and has several years remaining on his contract. Vegas faces the need to clear cap space to re-sign key restricted free agents like Rasmus Andersson and Pavel Dorofeyev, making Hill a vulnerable asset. Despite injury concerns that have affected his consistency, Hill’s size, athleticism, and Conn Smythe votes received in 2023 demonstrate his high-level capabilities.
Younger goaltending prospects also present opportunities. In the Detroit Red Wings system, Sebastian Cossa saw limited playing time late in the season and was surpassed on the depth chart. With his waiver eligibility approaching next season, and with Trey Augustine also in the system, Detroit might consider moving Cossa to a team seeking a developing goaltender.
Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres, along with their AHL affiliate Rochester Americans, is another name generating interest. Buffalo’s crease is already crowded with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis. Levi, who did not secure an NHL start this past season, is reportedly attracting attention from other NHL clubs.
While the free agent market at the top end may be limited to players like Stuart Skinner and Sergei Bobrovsky, the trade market and the movement of existing NHL goaltenders are expected to create significant activity throughout the league as the offseason progresses.
