The goalie market in the NHL has probably never been hotter than it is right now. Teams are under increased pressure to shed salary in light of news that the NHL salary cap will remain relatively stagnant this year. If and when the NHL approves expansion to Las Vegas, an expansion draft will likely happen in 2017 which will expose eligible goalies around the league and force teams to make trades ahead of the draft. Keep these factors in mind as you read this star-studded list of goalies on the block.
4. Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay
Bishop is entering the final year of his contract this season, and the Lightning are likely to re-sign future franchise netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy to a multi year deal. With all the other re-signings Tampa has to make over the next two seasons, Bishop likely gets moved on at some point. Trading Bishop will close to impossible next summer considering the overflow of goalies on the market and his pending UFA status, making him a realistic trade possibility this summer.
3. Jimmy Howard, Detroit
The Red Wings enter the offseason with all kinds of cap problems, and they will look to move Howard considering they have Petr Mrazek ready to be the number one. Speculation points to the Flames as a possible destination, although Howard has a partial no-trade clause that gives him a say in the process.
2. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins have a good problem on their hands. With Marc-Andre Fleury and Matt Murray manning the crease heading into next season, they will likely have to trade one of them this summer or the next. The odds are pretty strong that they choose to keep the younger, cheaper goalie they have in Murray.
1. Frederik Andersen, Anaheim
This is not a move the Ducks want to make, but it's one they likely have to make this summer. With John Gibson ready to take over this Ducks crease, the Ducks will likely elect to move pending RFA Frederik Andersen. There is always a chance they sign Andersen short term or move Gibson instead, but right now it looks like an Andersen trade is the likeliest option. The Hurricanes, Leafs and Flames have been linked to Andersen in trade rumours.
There are several other goalies rumoured to be on the block this summer, including Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak. Check out the rest of the goalies on the move in the Trade Rumour Board.
