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.

 

 

What a night! It was a great evening in famous Las Vegas! Thank you everyone who supported me. I really appreciate that. Thanks to all CBJ fans to all my Russian fans and friends. Big thank to my family! My wife Olga! My parents! It's been a privilege to share this special moment with you guys! And of course my teammates! So much fun to compete shoulder to shoulder with you! I am very proud that I am a Blue Jacket💪💪/ незабываемый вечер в знаменитом Лас Вегасе. Благодарен всем кто поддерживал меня. Спасибо всем фанатам CBJ, спасибо всем моим болельщикам в России, спасибо моим друзьям! Огромное спасибо моей семье! Моей жене Ольге!Моим родителям! Я был бесконечно счастлив разделить этот большой момент моей жизни вместе с вами! Спасибо моим партнерам по команде. Для меня была огромная честь выходить на лёд вместе с вами плечом к плечу в прошедшем сезоне! Я горжусь, что я Жакет!

A post shared by Sergei Bobrovsky (@sergeibobrovsky) on

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.

 

 

Thanks to everyone for the kind words! #NHLAwards @predsnhl

A post shared by Pekka Rinne (@pekkarinne) on

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)