Who Else?
In addition to Lehner, Holtby and Markstrom there are several other quality goaltenders potentially available this offseason. Among these names are a few more experienced veteran guys that will more than likely be looking for shorter, one to two year deals.
Ever since joining the Boston Bruins, Jaroslav Halak has been stellar. With a record of 40-17-10, he has formed one of the best 1-2 tandems in the whole NHL with Tuukka Rask. The fourteen year vet would be a nice addition to any team’s locker room and a valued mentor to younger goaltenders.
Corey Crawford is another experienced guy that could be searching for a new home this summer. Playing his entire thirteen year with the Hawks, this feels like a potential Cam Ward situation, where the player signs with another franchise for a single season before hanging up his skates.
At 35 his career is winding down, and with multiple Stanley Cups to his name, he’s had a decent run so retirement is also a possibility here, especially when you consider he recent injury/concussion concerns.
All of Corey Crawford's timely saves in his 26th career shutout!#crOwMG pic.twitter.com/eymsHsMGp3
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 27, 2019
With Semyon Varlamov signing a multiple year deal with the Islanders last offseason he looks to be their guy going forward, making Thomas Greiss expendable. Splitting the nets with Lehner in 2018-19, he too won the Jennings trophy (fewest goals against). He has put in a handful of solid seasons in New York and would be a nice 1B type guy to a contending team.
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A familiar name to Hurricanes fans, Anton Khudobin has re-established himself as a capable goaltender after his return to Boston in 2016-17. Playing two seasons in Carolina already, a reunion is highly unlikely, as he seems to fit perfectly in Dallas sharing the crease with Ben Bishop.
Last two names from the Battle of Alberta, Mike Smith and Cam Talbot are two former number ones who have done a bit of soul searching the past couple of seasons. Both of these guys aren’t an upgrade over what the Hurricanes currently have in net so I highly doubt the Canes will be among their suitors.
Even though this UFA class is deep with quality and experienced goaltenders the Carolina Hurricanes have three guys on one way deals next year, the current NHL tandem of Mrazek and Riemer as well as Alex Nedeljkovic.
With the current log jam already, multiple pieces would have to be on the move for there to even be a fit or roster spot for another netminder. Because of this, it’s highly unlikely we’ll see the Canes sign any of these guys.
Question for CC readers: Would you like to see any of these guys in a Carolina Hurricanes uniform?