NHL Rumors: 3 Goalies Drawing the Most Trade Interest

The NHL trade deadline is less than two weeks away and it's setting up to be an entertaining spectacle of movement. While some big names like Claude Giroux and Tomas Hertl are expected to be moved up front, there's been a few goaltenders who have been recently discussed in big trades. Let's take a look at three netminders who are expected to be dealt before March 21:

Semyon Varlamov, New York Islanders

Make no mistake about it the Islanders are trying to move the veteran goalie who has this season and next left on his contract, paying him $5 million on the books. So far this season in 17 games and has posted a 2.90 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. Varlamov has 60 games of Stanley Cup experience and is a netminder who many playoff bound teams are considering.

Friedman on TJMS talking Semyon Varlamov:

I think there's some teams looking at him and I think he's an interesting name out there.

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 9, 2022

He's apparently already said no to a trade to the Edmonton Oilers as he holds no-trade protection against 16 teams of his choice. One team to watch would be the Washington Capitals who could be open to a reunion. 

Marc-Andre Fleury

With all the trade talks coming out of Chicago, you'd think someone would just come out and say either way what's going on but that really hasn't been the case. Fleury's name continues to be mentioned and there's some speculation brewing that a three-team trade could be in the works to lower his $7 million cap hit into a much easier $1.75 million to swallow. If that ends up being the case, one team is going to get Fleury for super cheap and be out a ton of prospects in the deal. Teams to watch if it ends up being a three-team deal include the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs.  

According to @frank_seravalli - TOR & CHI could be a trade match for Fleury. Could have a 3rd team in the deal to offset more of Fleury's deal with CHI retaining 50% (3.5M). TOR could send Mrazek to CHI in a trade, plus top prospect(s) & top-end pick(s)#Blackhawks #LeafsForever

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) March 7, 2022

Mackenzie Blackwood

One of the more interesting names to hit the trade market, Mackenzie Blackwood is still only 25 years old. He's recently changed agents as the trade rumors have picked up of late. The Devils are apparently ready to give the net to youngster Nico Daws, and have started to dangle Blackwood for some help up front. He's signed through next season at a reasonable number of $2.8 million against the cap and so far this season has posted a 3.29 goals against average and a .894 save percentage in 23 games. Unfortunately it appears the inconsistency and injury bug is catching up to his time in Jersey and a deal is expected before next Monday's deadline. Teams to watch include the Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres.

#njdevils Mackenzie Blackwood is switching agents. Previously was with Todd Reynolds, now going with Andy Scott. https://t.co/RqmXsJBej8

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 9, 2022

Photo credit:  Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports