NHL Trade Rumors: Goaltenders "Available" & 5 Teams Who Could Be Buyers

This summer's NHL goaltending market presents a mix of intriguing trade targets and free agents that could significantly impact several teams. 

Notable names on the trade block include Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators, Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames, and Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins. 

Saros, despite a down year, remains a highly regarded No. 1 goalie with one year left on his bargain contract. Markstrom, with two years left on his deal, might be moved if Calgary decides to rebuild. 

Linus Ullmark makes a HUGE glove save, robbing Chiasson blind in tight#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/AiUF0Qi0Ne

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 11, 2023

Ullmark, who shared duties with Jeremy Swayman in Boston, could be traded depending on the Bruins' offseason priorities. 

Secondary options like Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild and Joonas Korpisalo of the Ottawa Senators add depth to the market, offering teams alternative solutions at a lower cost.

The free-agent market doesn't have a lot of reliable starting goaltenders but offers a variety of backup options. Notable names include Kaapo Kahkonen, Casey DeSmith, Anthony Stolarz, Ilya Samsonov, Laurent Brossoit, and Cam Talbot.

Holy mother of pearl what a save by Juuse Saros on Patrick Kane. #Preds pic.twitter.com/SnYDtPiQf3

— Jeff Middleton (@jjmid04) December 30, 2023

Among the potential buyers, laid out by Rory Boylen of Sportsnet, the New Jersey Devils stand out, having finished near the bottom of the league in save percentage last season.

With only Jake Allen under contract, the Devils are expected to aggressively pursue a reliable starter. The Toronto Maple Leafs, with Joseph Woll as their only returning netminder, also need to bolster their goaltending depth, especially considering Woll's injury history. 

The Ottawa Senators, who struggled with goaltending consistency, may seek upgrades despite having both Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg signed, as new management looks to solidify the position.

WHAT A SAVE! ILYA SAMSONOV! pic.twitter.com/fAwczpKWTs

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) January 18, 2023

Other teams likely in the market for goaltending help include the Los Angeles Kings and the Detroit Red Wings. 

The Kings are thin in the crease after playoff struggles exposed their lack of depth, and the Red Wings, who have seen Ville Husso fail to establish himself as a No. 1 goalie, need a more stable solution. 

With several big names and secondary options available, this summer's goalie market promises to be dynamic and potentially transformative for teams in need of a reliable presence between the pipes.

Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports