Goalies aren't typically hot commodities approaching the trade deadline, but the 2021-22 campaign may be a different story. Teams sitting in playoff spots at this time of the year usually have their crease figured out, but there are a handful of postseason hopefuls this season that could surely use an upgrade in net.
The Toronto Maple Leafs previously indicated they planned on riding it out with Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek, but the two have struggled mightily over the last couple of months. With Campbell now sidelined with an injury, it's possible the club opts to address its troubling crease in order to avoid another playoff disaster. We dove into the team's options earlier this week.
Finding an upgrade at this point is no easy task, but let's take a look at three other clubs that could do with one ahead of Monday's deadline.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild were one of the league's best teams in the first half of the season but have sputtered in recent weeks. Inconsistent goaltending is one of the main reasons for their downward spiral.
Cam Talbot and Kaapo Kahkonen are both capable options but have been wildly inconsistent. Since Feb. 1, the club has lost 11 of 19 games and allowed 75 goals in the process. On the season, the Wild have allowed four or more goals 23 times.
It appears right now that Minnesota will struggle to make a deep playoff run with one of Talbot or Kahkonen in net. Talbot is signed for another season with a $3.6-million cap hit, while Kahkonen is set for restricted free agency. Many have viewed Kahkonen as the goalie of the future, but this season may have derailed that idea.
The Wild have all of their draft picks at their disposal as well as an adequate amount of cap space. General manager Bill Guerin hasn't been afraid to shake things up, so it wouldn't be surprising if he attempts to right the ship before the deadline.
Edmonton Oilers
It's no secret that the Oilers need an upgrade in goal. Even reaching the postseason isn't guaranteed, but if they want to get there and make any noise, it's highly unlikely they can do it with one of Mike Smith, Mikko Koskinen, or Stuart Skinner leading the way. The Oilers have the NHL's 11th-worst save percentage (.899) and have allowed four or more goals in 24 contests.
Marc-Andre Fleury would be the obvious leading candidate if he gives the OK for the Chicago Blackhawks to trade him. So far, he's indicated he doesn't want to move, so that may not even be a possibility. Another viable option could be Semyon Varlamov, who's having a decent season but has been dominant the last few years. With Ilya Sorokin being the future of the New York Islanders' crease, they would be wise to move Varlamov, who has one more year on his contract with a $5-million cap hit. If available, he could be just what the Oilers need.
However, with limited cap space and not a ton of attractive options, the Oilers might decide to waste yet another season and address the issue during the summer.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights are in the midst of a staggering free fall, and their chances of making the playoffs are dwindling every day. They've been decimated by injuries throughout the lineup, so it's hard to point out one particular area to blame for their struggles.
Robin Lehner has appeared in just four games since Feb. 10, and his health moving forward is a big question mark. If Vegas wants to have a shot at making the postseason, bringing in a goalie is as good a desperation move as any.
Since Lehner could return at any point, the club doesn't have to chase a high-end starter. Lehner's having a down year by his standards, but if he can get healthy down the stretch, the Golden Knights won't hesitate to hand the crease back to him. They simply need someone who can man the crease in the meantime, as Laurent Brossoit has struggled to fill in.
There are plenty of options out there, including Jaroslav Halak, Jake Allen, James Reimer, Alexandar Georgiev, and Joonas Korpisalo. These goalies are solid stopgap options and are good enough to be leaned on if Lehner misses an extended period. Bringing in one of these guys could keep the Golden Knights in the playoff picture, and if they can get back to full health in the next few weeks, they could be a nightmare to face come playoff time.
