It’s rare to see star goaltenders become available in the NHL, but next year might prove to be an exception.
If hockey fans have learnt anything over the years, it’s that landing a franchise goaltender is no easy task. Similar to the quarterback position in football, there always seems to be a need to find that one player who basically determines the way a game plays out. We’ve listed both forwards and defenceman that are scheduled to hit the open market in 2019, so it’s time now to take a look at three goalies who could land on a different team next summer.
SERGEI BOBROVSKY
Arguably no goaltender has been as dominant as the Russian over the past five years. Once a backup in Philadelphia, Bobovsky has made a nice home for himself in Columbus, where he’s captured two Vezina Trophies and helped lead the team to multiple postseason appearances (that’s gotta sting for Flyers fans). He could be in for a change of scenery, though, if he chooses to walk as a free agent. At just 29 years of age, Bobovsky should expect another huge pay day in a year’s time.
PEKKA RINNE
The reigning Vezina Trophy winner has been the heart and soul of the Nashville Predators throughout his 10-year career, however, that might all change next summer for good reason. Nashville has backup Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros in its back pocket and general manager David Poile might elect to go with him as a cheaper option. At 35, Rinne shouldn’t expect the same long-term kind of deal that Brobovsky will likely land.
CAM TALBOT
Talbot isn’t quite in the same class as Brobrovsky and Rinne, but his incredible 2016-17 campaign shouldn’t be left in the dust. The Caledonia, Ontario native tied Braden Holtby for the league lead in wins (42) and saves with 1,946, before having a down 2017-18 season (though his struggles can be blamed on the players in front of him). Edmonton could make Talbot an offer but might make a stronger push for one of the previously mentioned goalies.
It’s rare to see two Vezina goaltenders still in their prime hit free agency, but that might be the case next summer. We’ll see what happens in a year’s time!
(H/T Spotrac)