Long thought a certainty to be moved by the deadline, there is now some doubt beginning to sprout around his availability. Though Fleury has ano-move clause, the Hawks have reportedly assured him they won’t send him anywhere he doesn’t want to go. In 32 Thoughts last week,: “I’m not sure he’ll want to go anywhere unless it is a serious contender.”
The Edmonton Oilers are another team that could look to address its netminding situation, likely needing to send Mikko Koskinen out as part of the deal to drop salary. But, again, you have a team with a questionable Cup outlook and a recent playoff history of utter disappointment. Still, we wonder if the conditions could ever be right. Sure, having two goalies is nice, but if Sorokin stays on track, Varlamov would seem likely to walk as a UFA in 2023. If the right return could be found from a motivated buyer — and that’s key to any deal — the Islanders may find a better value through free agency than spending $5 million against the cap for a 1B/backup.
At 33 years old, Reimer is one of those goalies who absolutely could find a hot-streak moment and run with it. A slightly above average goalie for the past couple of years, Reimer has been pretty good for the Sharks this season but with a few hiccups. His .916 save percentage is the best it’s been since 2016-17 and his 7.64 Goals Saved Above Averagesigned for another season at that rate.
Holtby’s has been a name mentioned in the goalie market for some time this season, probably even before Jake Oettinger took over the crease. Between Oettinger, Holtby and Anton Khudobin, the Stars have one more NHL goalie than they need. Georgiev once had promise to be at least a tandem option, if not a starter, in the right situation. He at least deserved the shot. In New York, Igor Shesterkin was always the plan, and he’s arrived with a season so good he could win the Hart Trophy. So after Georgiev was building his resume for a few years, he’s now used almost exclusively in back-to-back situations and has no chance of settling in to a routine.
“Jaroslav Halak established himself as one of the best 1B options in the National Hockey League over the past 5-6 years, maybe even a little longer,” goalie guru and NHL.com writer Kevin Woodley told Halford & Brough last week. “But there’s a very fine line between 1B and every-two-week-backup. And he’s never had to be that guy.”
If Holtby is the veteran the Stars choose to keep for their run, maybe Khudobin is the one they could move for a draft pick or two. He’s already passed through waivers this season, which may indicate Dallas’ openness to it.
RoryBoylen Great article Rory!