Three Starting Goaltenders Remain Prominent in the NHL Off-Season Trade Market
Following the March trade deadline, we noted that Jacob Markstrom of the Calgary Flames, Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators could become summer trade candidates.
With the 2024 NHL draft three weeks away on June 28 and 29, the three goaltenders featured prominently in the off-season rumor mill. All of them were linked at one time or another to the New Jersey Devils and GM Tom Fitzgerald. The Hockey News’ Julian Gaudio cited Fitzgerald telling NHL.com’s Mike G. Morreale he’s still in the market for a goaltender. He also indicated he’s willing to part with his first-round pick (10th overall) in the upcoming draft to add a player who can improve his roster.
Fitzgerald can afford to part with that pick. He’s got a roster stocked with young talent, including Jack and Luke Hughes, Nico Hischier, Simon Nemec and Alexander Holtz. His farm system includes such notable prospects as Seamus Casey and Nico Daws.
The Devils GM has made no secret of his intent to target a goaltending upgrade. He was reportedly close to a deal for Markstrom before the trade deadline, but it fell through for unknown reasons. Markstrom, 34, is under contract for two more seasons with a $6-million annual cap hit. He also carries a full no-movement clause, but it’s rumored he could waive it to go to New Jersey or a contender. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun cited sources indicating Fitzgerald remains interested in Markstrom and could also look at Ullmark. Boston Hockey Now’s Andrew Fantucchio believes the Bruins should attempt to swap Ullmark for that first-rounder and use it to replenish their depleted prospect pools.
