NHL Rumors: 3 Goalies Expected To Be Traded This Summer

This summer is going to be an entertaining one across the NHL as there will be some major changes throughout the league. Recently the goalie market was warming up prior to the trade deadline and heading into the offseason there's expected to be some musical chairs in the crease. Let's dive into three netminders who should be considered prime trade candidates:

Alexandar Georgiev, New York Rangers

Make no mistake about it, Igor Shesterkin is the man in the Big Apple and the Rangers will want to explore deals for Georgiev, much like they did prior to the trade deadline. He's due an expensive qualifying offer as a pending restricted free agent and it's likely we'll see him moved at the draft or prior to July 13 free agency period opening up. The 26-year-old goalie is having himself a decent season with a 2.91 GAA in 31 games and while he's been inconsistent at times, there's a ton of potential in his game. Teams expected to be involved in the trade chatter include the Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, and New Jersey Devils.

Petr Mrazek, Toronto Maple Leafs

Quite frankly, it hasn't worked out for Petr Mrazek in Toronto after signing a three-year deal worth $3.8 million per season. The veteran tender has never been able to find his game consistently in his first year with the Maple Leafs and a big factor has been his health. That was the big question mark going in and Mrazek hasn't done anything this season to shut down the injury-prone narrative. The Leafs waived the 30-year-old prior to the trade deadline and there weren't any bites, perhaps things change at the NHL draft this summer. Mrazek is best suited in a tandem role so we'll have to wait and see which teams are looking for a 1-B. 

Chris Driedger, Seattle Kraken

After expecting goaltending to be a team strength, that was not the case for the expansion Seattle Kraken in their first season. After an impressive season with the Florida Panthers, Driedger turned that into a three-year deal with the Kraken at $3.5 million annually. In 24 games this season the 27-year-old has recorded a .897 save %, certainly nothing to write home about and it's likely the Kraken look to make subtle changes heading into their second season. Driedger holds no-trade protection against 10 teams of his choice, look for the dust to settle in Seattle and for the Kraken's backup netminder to be discussed in trades this offseason.

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports