Flyers May Discover Backup Goaltender in NHL Trading Scene
The Philadelphia Flyers, currently in a playoff position, find themselves urgently in need of a dependable backup goaltender. To address this issue, they may need to explore the NHL trade market, a move that seems necessary for the team.
Following the abrupt end of the Cal Petersen trial, and with Felix Sandstrom’s lack of proven performance at the NHL level and poor showing in the AHL this season, the Flyers face a critical goaltending dilemma.
However, there is a challenge with pursuing a trade as the Flyers have emphasized that they are not pursuing trades solely for a playoff push. Yet, if the trade offers benefits beyond this season, it might prompt trade discussions.
Ideally, the Flyers prefer not to rush goaltending prospect Alexei Kolosov into NHL action immediately. Their options are limited to either acquiring a goaltender with a contract in place now or signing a free agent in the upcoming summer. For the purpose of this discussion, we will consider the former, especially given the limited quality of free agent options anticipated this summer.
According to TSN’s recent “Trade Bait” ranking, there are three goaltenders among the top 20 candidates. While it is expected that Calgary Flames’ goalie Jacob Markstrom (ranked 10th) might be out of the Flyers’ price range, Montreal Canadiens’ Jake Allen (ranked 13th) could be a viable option, especially as the Habs have an excess of goaltenders.
At 33 years old, Allen could provide goaltending stability for the Flyers next season at a cap hit of $3.85 million.
The Philadelphia Flyers may consider San Jose Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen as a trade option, despite his impending unrestricted free agent status in July. The NHL goalie trade market has cooled down from a few months ago, and the Sharks would likely be open to receiving what they can for Kahkonen.
On the other hand, the Nashville Predators are looking to move pending UFA Kevin Lankinen as they plan to rely on a goaltending duo of Juuse Saros and Yaroslav Askarov. Lankinen appears to be the odd man out and could find himself on a new team by the end of the week.
Acquiring UFAs like Kahkonen and Lankinen would only make sense for the Flyers if they can secure contract extensions with them beyond the current season. Otherwise, the Flyers would find themselves back at square one.
With the focus currently on goalies like Markstrom and Saros in the NHL trade market, this might be an opportune moment for the Flyers to make a move and secure a backup goalie at a favorable price.
Leave a Reply