Goalies on the Go

Taking a look at a few netminders that could have new homes by the trade deadline

By Marcus White

Rick Stewart/Getty Images 

The NHL season has yet to reach the quarter pole, but it’s never too early to start speculating about trades. Your favorite team’s GM is undoubtedly working the phones or scouting players in an effort to improve their team. As there are so many notable free agents next offseason, particularly in goal, we could see one of the most active trade deadlines in recent memory. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some goaltenders that could be on the move.

Ryan Miller

The 800-pound gorilla in the room. Any talk about goalies on the move must begin with the 2010 Olympic MVP. The writing was on the wall this offseason when it became clear the Sabres are firmly in rebuilding mode, and a trade became a near certainty once Thomas Vanek was traded to the Islanders. Miller has performed admirably for the Sabres, and his low win totals and high goals-against-average are much more of a reflection of the talent in front of him.

The best goalie on the market this trade deadline and in the free agent class of 2014, Miller should draw a lot of interest around the league. He does, however, have a limited no-trade clause, meaning he can provide a list of teams he will not accept a trade to. Edmonton and Philadelphia are two obvious potential destinations, given their weaknesses in goal. While the Oilers’ presence on Miller’s no-trade list and the Flyers lack salary-cap space make any potential deal difficult, a big move is needed if either club is to live up to the expectations of their respective ownership groups

Jonas Hiller and Viktor Fasth

The Ducks currently have a logjam in the crease. In the injury absence of Viktor Fasth, Danish rookie Fredrik Andersen has been very impressive, posting a 1.36 goals-against-average and .956 save percentage in his first four games. Additionally, top prospect John Gibson has put up impressive numbers in the AHL, and has gotten more starts since Andersen was called up.

It’s been rumored the Ducks are looking to move either Fasth or longtime starter Jonas Hiller, in large part because of Andersen’s play in the NHL, and Gibson’s impressive start to his first professional season. Hiller’s more likely to be dealt, given his UFA status at the end of the year, proven track record, and larger contract. But don’t sleep on Fasth getting dealt once he returns to health, either. The tight-spending Ducks could look to shed cap space as teams like Nashville and Carolina needing a big upgrade in goal while their starters are out due to injury.

Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott

In a situation very similar to Anaheim’s, the St. Louis Blues are contenders with a cluttered crease, in large part because of the play of a young goaltender. Jake Allen started this season with the Blues’ AHL affiliate in Chicago, but impressed in 15 games last year while Halak was injured and Elliott was struggling. Elliott and Halak have begun to bounce back from their down years last season, as each has seen their save percentages increase by at least .12 points.

With both goalies set to be unrestricted free agents this offseason, and Allen waiting in the wings,  it’s very possible St. Louis would seek to get some sort of return for at least one of them. There should be plenty of interest if St. Louis decided to field offers, as Halak and Elliott have very movable contracts and proven track records. The Blues could be content with letting Halak and/or Elliott walk this summer and promote Allen next season, but have a unique opportunity to further upgrade their roster or prospect pool if they decide that Allen is ready.