The NHL's silly season has begun and many insiders across the league feel this summer is going to be like no other. We've seen one blockbuster trade come down the pipe and with a flat cap and a number of teams looking to move out money, there's going to be several other big moves made. Especially in net.
The goalie market is heating up and we've seen Cal Petersen already get shipped out by the LA Kings. The Kings had to overpay to make it happen, but nonetheless, they were able to get out of the final two seasons of his contract, which he's owed $5 million per season. Amazing move for them consider Petersen posted a .868 save percentage in 13 NHL games and spent the majority of the season in the minors.
With Petersen off the market, here's a few other goaltenders who are being discussed in trades heading into the NHL Draft in Nashville:
John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks and Gibson have agreed a divorce is coming but it's not going to be as easy as they think. His game has fallen off of late and with four seasons left at $6.4 million per, not many teams are willing to make this type of commitment. So far, the Pittsburgh Penguins have reportedly kicked tires and so too have the Buffalo Sabres. Gibson makes sense for the Ottawa Senators, but they don't have a draft pick in the first three rounds after acquiring Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes. There's little doubt Gibson will be moved, but at this point, it's hard to handicap a favorite.
Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
The Jets were informed Hellebuyck wasn't interested in signing a contract extension next summer and the mood drastically changed in Winnipeg. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has no choice but to move on from the core of this team and it starts by trading Hellebuyck. He's a top-3 goalie in the league and expect to see most of the Stanley Cup contenders at least checking in on the price tag. Early favorites include the Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings. Expect to see the Penguins circle back if Tristan Jarry decides to test free agency. This will be the biggest trade of the summer.
Matt Murray, Toronto Maple Leafs
Another goalie on the trade market is Matt Murray of Toronto. The team has the buyout window to consider until June 30, however the ideal situation is Murray is moved and completely taken off the books. He's owed $4.68 million in 2022-23, and the 29-year-old could end up back with the Penguins if the Leafs do decide to buy him out. As for a trade, Brad Treliving needs to try and get the San Jose Sharks convinced to take him and sweeten the pot with a mid-level prospect to make it happen.
Expect some goalie trades in the next couple of weeks. The NHL's trade market is heating up in a major way and this offseason will be as wild and wacky as ever.
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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