NHL Rumors: 3 Vegas Golden Knights Trade Targets

The Vegas Golden Knights were dealt a major blow recently as starting netminder Robin Lehner requires hip surgery and will miss the entire 2022-23 season. The team now sits without their starting goalie and organizationally doesn't have a ton of depth to replace Lehner. Here's three goalies expected to be on the Golden Knights' radar as trade rumors begin:

James Reimer, San Jose Sharks

One goalie who makes a ton of sense is veteran James Reimer. The Sharks and Golden Knights know each other very well and don't expect to see the Sharks just hand over Reimer at no cost. We reported earlier a second-round pick would likely be the price tag. Reimer can still get it done and has been a 1-A starter in the past. At $2.25 million against the salary cap next season and only one year left on his deal, the veteran netminder makes a ton of sense in Vegas.

Chris Driedger, Seattle Kraken

The Kraken have three NHL goaltenders and spots for only two, leaving Chris Driedger as the potential odd man out. Seattle signed both Driedger and Philipp Grubauer last summer to long-term contracts, meanwhile signed free agent Martin Jones only weeks ago. 

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Driedger makes $3.5 million against the cap and has two years left on his deal. After shining in Florida, it was a struggle last season for the 28-year-old as he finished the season in Seattle with 27 appearances, a 2.96 goals against average and a .899 save %. At this point Vegas doesn't have a ton of options and may consider a trade with the Kraken.

Jake Allen, Montreal Canadiens

Someone who is no stranger to trade rumors, Canadiens netminder Jake Allen could be a target for the Golden Knights. A pending free agent who is signed under $3 million, Allen is looking to bounce back in a major way in 2022-23. The 32-year-old appeared in 35 games last season, posting a 3.30 GAA and a .905 SV.%. He's a proven netminder in the league and someone who has shown the ability to carry a team during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Vegas is certain to check in on the availability of Allen but at this point it's hard to say what Montreal's plans are for the veteran netminder.

Photo credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports