For his entire 11-year career in the NHL, Anton Khudobin has been a backup goaltender. Then, this summer, he got his chance to shine. With the oft-injured Ben Bishop ruled "unfit to play" for most of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, Khudobin took over the No. 1 role for the Dallas Stars.
Khudobin had never started a postseason game before August. But in 25 starts in the bubble in Edmonton, Alberta, Khudobin picked up 14 wins, along with a .914 save percentage, becoming a cult hero during the Stars' run to the Stanley Cup Final. Though he ended the season on a high, his future is murky. Khudobin signed a two-year deal with the Stars in 2018 at $2.5 million per season -- twice what he was earning his two previous seasons as Boston's backup -- and that deal is expiring.
"As far as the two years, I wish it was about a five-year deal now," general manager Jim Nill said during the playoffs. "Would have been nice. But good for Anton. He's earned this right. I hope we can get him back, because he's a big part of our team."
Khudobin has become the poster boy for what is sure to be a fascinating few weeks on the goaltending carousel. Never have so many quality goaltenders been available via free agency or the trade market. The list includes three Vezina Trophy winners, three multiple Stanley Cup winners and plenty of capable backups such as Khudobin ready to step in or step up to a bigger role.
While the market is saturated, the need for goaltending has also never been greater. Andrei Vasilevskiy, who started every game of the Lightning's Stanley Cup Final run, is the outlier. More and more, teams are shying away from typical workloads and are using a 1A and 1B split. This summer's tournament only highlighted that; by the second round, six regular-season backups were de facto No. 1s.
"It's become a two-goalie league. That's been the case for the last few years, given the parity. There's not many 70-game goalies anymore, if any at all," Oilers general manager Ken Holland said. "And with the 2020-21 season, there's a real possibility it's going to be even more compressed than normal. Three games one week, four the next, playing almost every second day. The more games you play in a shorter period of time adds up to more injuries. You get that, and you need more depth."
These are just a few factors GMs must consider when shaping their rosters this summer. Other constraints include the salary cap staying flat at $81.5 million, and the expansion draft taking place next summer for Seattle -- leaving many teams scrambling to get their proverbial ducks in order. How it all plays out is anyone's guess, but here's a look at the landscape, from the teams that should be shopping for netminders to the candidates available as free agents or via trade.
Jump ahead:
Teams in the market
Best free agents available
Potential trade targets
Note: Cap and contract information is per Cap Friendly. Ages are as of Oct. 2. Free agents are listed as members of the teams with which they finished the 2019-20 season.
Teams in the market for a goalie
Buffalo Sabres
2019-20 goalies: Linus Ullmark (34 games played, restricted free agent); Carter Hutton (31 GP, unrestricted free agent in 2021); Jonas Johansson (6 GP, RFA)
Projected cap space: $33,658,333
Hutton is under contract for one more season at $2.75 million, while Ullmark becomes a restricted free agent this summer. The Sabres could easily stick with that tandem, but it's not an inspiring one. GM Kevyn Adams is starting to put his stamp on the team, and one of the easiest areas to refurbish is in net. That might sound like an aggressive move, but owners Kim and Terry Pegula are getting antsy, and this is a team that's missed the playoffs for a league-high nine straight years. Aggressive might be the only antidote.
Calgary Flames
2019-20 goalies: David Rittich (48 GP, UFA in 2021); Cam Talbot (26 GP, UFA)
Projected cap space: $17,805,000
Since franchise wins leader Miikka Kiprusoff retired in 2013, the Flames have been cobbling together different goaltending tandems every season. The 2019-20 season felt no different. Talbot (who led the Flames in the playoffs) hits free agency this summer, while Rittich (a pleasant first-half surprise and 2019 All-Star) is up after next season. The Flames could easily bring Talbot back. Calgary could also shake things up by chasing one of the many available candidates this summer.
Carolina Hurricanes
2019-20 goalies: Petr Mrazek (40 GP, UFA in 2021); James Reimer (25 GP, UFA in 2021); Alex Nedeljkovic (4 GP, RFA in 2021)
Projected cap space: $7,782,261
Both Mrazek and Reimer are under contract through next season, and the team clearly feels comfortable using the tandem (as it did all of last season and in the playoffs). The Canes could use an upgrade, but it feels off-brand for them to overpay here when both Mrazek and Reimer are making $3.4 million or less.
Chicago Blackhawks
2019-20 goalies: Corey Crawford (40 GP, UFA); Robin Lehner (33 GP, traded, UFA); Malcolm Subban (1 GP, RFA)
Projected cap space: $7,830,461
The Blackhawks are working to sign Crawford to a new deal. The veteran knows he's going to need to take a pay cut from the $6 million in average annual value of his previous deal; the question is, how deep of a cut? The Blackhawks like two goalies in their system -- Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen -- but if Crawford doesn't come back, neither of them is ready for the No. 1 role. In this scenario, Chicago would probably sign a veteran.
Colorado Avalanche
2019-20 goalies: Philipp Grubauer (36 GP, UFA in 2021); Pavel Francouz (34 GP, UFA in 2022)
Projected cap space: $22,364,405
The Avalanche are sneaky wild cards on this list. They have both Grubauer and Francouz under contract for next season. They also saw how valuable goaltending depth is when both of those players were injured and they needed to turn to Michael Hutchinson in the second round of the playoffs. Since Grubauer and Francouz ($3.33 million average annual value and $2 million AAV, respectively) are so cheap, the Avalanche could try to move one of them. The team is also in decent salary-cap shape for next season, so GM Joe Sakic could splurge for a battle-tested veteran; perhaps Henrik Lundqvist?
Dallas Stars
2019-20 goalies: Ben Bishop (44 GP, UFA in 2023); Anton Khudobin (30 GP, UFA)
Projected cap space: $15,491,302
The Stars have been lauded for their Bishop-Khudobin split for years -- it's one of the best tandems in the league -- and they'd like to keep it intact. Khudobin's value has never been higher after he led the Stars to the Stanley Cup Final, and he is due for a decent raise from the $2.5 million he earned this season. Are the Stars willing to ante up, or will they have to go to a contingency plan? How much might they regret it, particularly considering Bishop is often injured? Or are they ready to hand their 1B job to Jake Oettinger, who saw some mop-up duty this postseason? A fascinating situation to monitor.
Edmonton Oilers
2019-20 goalies: Mike Smith (39 GP, UFA); Mikko Koskinen (38 GP, UFA in 2022)
Projected cap space: $11,256,182
The Oilers have Koskinen under contract through 2021-22 at $4.5 million per season. Smith, however, becomes an unrestricted free agent, and it feels as though the Oilers would like an upgrade in their tandem. Edmonton has a chunk of cap space available and three pending restricted free agents, so there are some cost considerations. The Oilers are looking at all routes, including acquiring a goaltender by trade.
Minnesota Wild
2019-20 goalies: Alex Stalock (38 GP, UFA in 2022); Devan Dubnyk (30 GP, UFA in 2021); Kaapo Kahkonen (5 GP, RFA)
Projected cap space: $11,975,578
Dubnyk and Stalock simply aren't an exciting duo. Stalock is inexpensive, and the starter as of now. The Wild might want to promote Kahkonen, the top goaltender in the AHL, to their NHL roster. Minnesota doesn't seem to have an appetite to buy Dubnyk out, but also might not find a trade home for him with so many other goaltenders on the market. Though the Wild appear to be in a pickle, keep an eye on Minnesota as a potential player in the goaltending shuffle this summer.
New Jersey Devils
2019-20 goalies: Mackenzie Blackwood (47 GP, RFA); Louis Domingue (16 GP, traded, UFA); Cory Schneider (13 GP, UFA in 2022)
Projected cap space: $26,245,001
The Devils are ready to turn to Blackwood as their No. 1 for the 2020-21 season. He's a restricted free agent this offseason, and New Jersey's top priority is to re-sign him. But he's only 23, and like many teams, the Devils are wary of overworking a young netminder. Schneider is under contract for two more seasons at $6 million, but injuries have limited him to just 39 games over two seasons for New Jersey. In May, Schneider said he wasn't considering retirement. The Devils could stick it out with these two -- next season is expected to be another one for the rebuild -- or find another veteran to complement Blackwood.
Ottawa Senators
2019-20 goalies: Craig Anderson (34 GP, UFA); Marcus Hogberg (24 GP, RFA in 2021); Anders Nilsson (20 GP, UFA in 2021)
Projected cap space: $43,262,500
The Senators have already told Anderson they do not intend to re-sign him. Ottawa can plan to go ahead with Hogberg and Nilsson, though there's some concern about Hogberg's health and lingering concussion issues. The Senators remain in rebuilding mode, though they are hoping to get competitive soon. While that likely prices the Sens out of the biggest free-agent names available, Ottawa has been working the phone on trades and has plenty of chips to deal -- including seven picks in the first two rounds of the 2020 draft.
Philadelphia Flyers
2019-20 goalies: Carter Hart (43 GP, RFA in 2021); Brian Elliott (31 GP, UFA); Alex Lyon (3 GP, UFA in 2021)
Projected cap space: $6,235,273
The Flyers feel terrific about 22-year-old Hart; finally, their decades-long goaltending carousel could be coming to a stop. Hart even got valuable playoff experience this summer. However, the Flyers have been cautious about not overloading him, so a serviceable backup is necessary. Elliott, 35, was a good complement this past season but is hitting free agency. The Flyers will either re-sign Elliott or sign someone comparable.
San Jose Sharks
2019-20 goalies: Martin Jones (41 GP, UFA in 2024); Aaron Dell (33 GP, UFA)
Projected cap space: $14,131,667
San Jose has finished with the worst 5-on-5 save percentage two seasons in a row. The Sharks need help. They decided not to buy out Jones, which means for now they are sticking with the slumping 30-year-old who is under contract through 2023-24 at $5.75 million per season. San Jose can, however, make an improvement in the backup position, as Dell hits unrestricted free agency.
Vancouver Canucks
2019-20 goalies: Jacob Markstrom (43 GP, UFA); Thatcher Demko (27 GP, RFA in 2021)
Projected cap space: $14,298,122
The Canucks are on this list only if they don't get something done with Markstrom. GM Jim Benning said after the season they want to keep him around. The issue, as so often, comes down to price. If the sides can't settle on something fair, Vancouver has Demko ready to go. But the Canucks don't want to rush things for their prized prospect, so acquiring a veteran 1B for next season would be a priority. Braden Holtby would be a fun fit here.
Vegas Golden Knights
2019-20 goalies: Marc-Andre Fleury (49 GP, UFA in 2022); Malcolm Subban (20 GP, traded, RFA); Robin Lehner (3 GP, UFA)
Projected cap space: $4,940,124
Plenty of teams envied Vegas' goaltending tandem of Fleury and Lehner entering the 2020 playoffs. Very few GMs envy the situation Kelly McCrimmon is in now. Lehner was named the starter this summer, which created a rift with Fleury, who had been with Vegas since Day 1 and shouldered a huge workload in his time with the club. The Golden Knights reportedly have a long-term deal waiting for Lehner. They can buy out Fleury (something I'm told the team doesn't want to do), make amends or try to move him. If Fleury is out, the Knights will be shopping for a backup to Lehner.
Washington Capitals
2019-20 goalies: Braden Holtby (48 GP, UFA); Ilya Samsonov (26 GP, RFA in 2021)
Projected cap space: $8,900,123
The Capitals did not engage in contract talks with Holtby this past season. It was always their plan to turn to one of their top prospects next season: Samsonov, who is seven years younger -- and far cheaper -- than Holtby. However, the Caps are looking for an inexpensive veteran to serve as backup. Look for the Caps to go with a known commodity; players such as Brian Elliott, Mike Smith, Cam Talbot or even Craig Anderson come to mind as long as they can be signed on the cheap.
Goalies available via free agency
Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators
Age: 39 | 2019-20 cap hit: $4.75 million
The Senators informed Anderson in June that they were moving on, which ends his decade-long stint with the team. Anderson, a veteran of 648 NHL games, is 39; at this point, he is realistically looking for a one-year deal, at the veterans minimum, to provide assurance. A team looking for a budget backup (Philly? Washington?) could be a fit. Anderson is keeping his options open but has motivation to return; he sits at 289 career wins and would like to get to a round 300 before he hangs up the skates.
Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 35 | 2019-20 cap hit: $6 million
The 13-year veteran wants to stay in Chicago -- the only team for which he has ever played -- but knows he'll have to take a pay cut from his $6 million per year to make it work. Crawford has battled availability issues the past few seasons, leading the Blackhawks to sign Robin Lehner as insurance last summer. Though Crawford is still serviceable as a starter, if it doesn't work out with the Blackhawks the market might not be as kind to the 35-year-old. Given the need for two reliable goaltenders, though, he could be a decent option for a team like the Sabres or even the Flyers. It's also unclear if -- at his age, with Stanley Cups already on his résumé -- Crawford is willing to uproot and sign in any market or if he'll do so only for the right opportunity.
Brian Elliott, Philadelphia Flyers
Age: 35 | 2019-20 cap hit: $2 million
Elliott has played for five teams over a 13-season career, which puts him squarely in journeyman status. Elliott had a decent 2019-20 campaign as Carter Hart's backup, and even got some playoff action. It makes sense for him to stick around in Philadelphia. If not, the 35-year-old can fill a similar mentor role elsewhere, likely on a cheap, one-year contract.
Thomas Greiss, New York Islanders
Age: 34 | 2019-20 cap hit: $3.33 million
He's flying under the radar as a low-key option this offseason, but the 34-year-old has a terrific track record the past two seasons as a guy who can split starts and thrive in a limited role. The Islanders are moving on from Greiss only because they finally lured their top prospect, 25-year-old Ilya Sorokin, away from Russia, and Semyon Varlamov is inked to a long-term deal.
Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals
Age: 31 | 2019-20 cap hit: $6.1 million
He's this summer's most fascinating candidate. Holtby is just three years removed from leading the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup and probably has more in the tank. Unfortunately, Holtby isn't in a great spot after posting the worst statistical season (.898 save percentage, 3.11 goals-against average) of his 10-season career, and he didn't get much time to rebound as the Caps bowed out of the bubble early. I've been told Holtby is prioritizing a place where he can see significant playing time. Edmonton is a juicy fit.
Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
Age: 36 | 2019-20 cap hit: $4 million
The Red Wings are the only franchise for which Howard has ever played, but his time in Detroit appears to be over. The 36-year-old recently told Sportsnet that he did not want to retire nor end his career on the sour note of last season (Howard had a league-worst .882 save percentage). Look for Howard to get a veterans-minimum, "prove-it" deal, perhaps even agreeing to initially be the third goaltender on a team's depth chart.
Anton Khudobin, Dallas Stars
Age: 34 | 2019-20 cap hit: $2.5 million
The Stars obviously want to re-sign Khudobin. If he wants to test his value on the market, he could get paid handsomely. Yes, recency bias is a thing, but Khudobin also has an 11-season track record of being one of the league's best No. 2s. If Khudobin goes to market, Calgary and Edmonton would immediately become interested.
Robin Lehner, Vegas Golden Knights
Age: 29 | 2019-20 cap hit: $5 million
Lehner, a 2019 Vezina nominee, would have been the crown jewel of this summer's goaltending frenzy. However, he has reportedly agreed to a five-year extension with Vegas. If that's true, good for Lehner. He's made it very clear that the one thing he's looking for at this stage in his career is long-term commitment from a team.
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
Age: 38 | 2019-20 cap hit: $8.5 million
The Rangers buying out Lundqvist this week was about as amicable of a divorce as you'll see in the NHL. There's a ton of mutual respect on both sides and an understanding that the Rangers are better off with their tandem of youngsters: Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev. Since he was bought out, Lundqvist has agency to choose his next move. He's been extremely selective in the past (famously declining to waive his no-trade clause) and would likely sign only with a team he thinks he can win a Stanley Cup next season. Colorado seems a possible fit.
Jacob Markstrom, Vancouver Canucks
Age: 30 | 2019-20 cap hit: $3.667 million
He faced a ton of scrutiny entering his contract year, but Markstrom delivered. The 30-year-old went 23-16-4 with a .918 save percentage -- he was a rock in the playoffs, too, posting a .919 save percentage in 14 starts -- including a .941 percentage rate at 5-on-5. If he doesn't reach a deal to re-sign with Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton could make a big play; both teams seem to be itching to overspend.
Ryan Miller, Anaheim Ducks
Age: 40 | 2019-20 cap hit: $1.125 million
In his 17-season career, Miller has racked up a lot of accolades, including becoming the career wins leader (387) among American-born goaltenders. But at age 40, his career is in flux. Do the Ducks want to keep him around? Does he have the desire to play elsewhere? Does he want to retire? Miller might wait to get clarity on what next season will look like before he makes up his mind.
Mike Smith, Edmonton Oilers
Age: 38 | 2019-20 cap hit: $2 million
He's 38 and coming off another season filled with highs and lows. Among the 66 goalies who played in at least 10 games, Smith ranked 51st in goals saved above average, at minus-7.71. The Oilers are probably moving on, looking for another partner for Mikko Koskinen. Smith still wants to play and is likely looking at a veterans-minimum deal to be a No. 2 or even a No. 3.
Cam Talbot, Calgary Flames
Age: 33 | 2019-20 cap hit: $2.75 million
The 33-year-old is coming off a decent season with Calgary and has expressed a desire to stick around. The Flames have shown some interest but are also exploring other options. Talbot played mostly as the 1B last season but picked up his workload in the second half when David Rittich battled injuries. Talbot also had a strong postseason, taking on the No. 1 role and posting a .924 save percentage through 10 starts. If the Flames don't re-sign Talbot, plenty of teams see him as a solid 1B. He's likely looking for a slight raise from the $2.75 million he earned last season.
Goalies who could be available via trade
Frederik Andersen, Toronto Maple Leafs
Age: 30 | 2020-21 cap hit: $5 million
The veteran is in the final year of his deal, and the Maple Leafs are comfortable with their current situation with Jack Campbell (acquired last season from Los Angeles) as the backup. However, win-now GM Kyle Dubas is always looking for upgrades. And if the team doesn't view Andersen as its long-term option, perhaps Dubas makes his move now to recoup value.
Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas Golden Knights
Age: 35 | 2020-21 cap hit: $7 million
There are plenty of teams that would love having Fleury, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, on their roster. He's also a universally beloved teammate. The issue would be cost. Fleury carries a cap hit of $7 million for two more seasons, which is too rich for many teams. The Golden Knights might have to eat up to half of that to make it palatable. Fleury also has a 10-team no-trade list, which could eliminate some potential suitors.
Tristan Jarry, Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins
Ages: 25, 26 | 2020-21 cap hits: N/A (both RFA)
Pittsburgh's two Fleury successors both become restricted free agents this offseason. One will get a new contract, the other will be traded (GM Jim Rutherford has telegraphed this multiple times). Murray is more than likely the one leaving, but Rutherford has had a hard time finding good value on the trade market given the saturation of candidates. Rutherford might have to sell low. Casey DeSmith should be Pittsburgh's backup next season.
Elvis Merzlikins, Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus Blue Jackets
Ages: 26, 26 | 2020-21 cap hits: $4 million, $2.8 million
GM Jarmo Kekäläinen nailed the Sergei Bobrovsky succession plan. The Blue Jackets stuck with two young goalies in the organization and they both played phenomenally when given the opportunity. They're also both on reasonable contracts through 2021-22. However, I've heard rumors that the Blue Jackets want to make a splash this summer. One way to get what they want (a scorer) is to trade from an area of excess.
Darcy Kuemper, Antti Raanta, Arizona Coyotes
Ages: 30, 31 | 2020-21 cap hits: $4.5 million, $4.25 million
New GM Bill Armstrong is going to want to do some surgery on the Coyotes' roster, and he's also reportedly been told to shed some payroll. One easy area for cuts is goaltending; Kuemper and Raanta combine for nearly $9 million against the cap, and the team also has Adin Hill signed to a one-way contract. The asking price for Kuemper, a star in the 2020 playoffs, is probably too rich for teams in this economy, but Raanta could be a realistic option as a 1B for many.
James Reimer, Petr Mrazek, Carolina Hurricanes
Ages: 32, 28 | 2020-21 cap hits: $3.4 million, $3.125 million
The Hurricanes are comfortable with this duo. They don't mind Mrazek shouldering a No. 1 load. It worked for them, mostly, last season. But in back-to-back playoffs now, the Canes have proved they are on the cusp of something special, and they don't want goaltending to hold them back. Both goalies' cap hits (each roughly around $3 million) are the sweet spot between being super tradable but also enough savings for Carolina to pivot with and spend elsewhere on the roster.