Previewing the Top UFA goaltenders available this summer
Anthony Scultore
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This looks like another potentially flooded goalie market. However, there are some very big and intriguing names out there to be had. We’ve already looked at some forwards and defenders, so let’s hit the crease for this one.
Top UFA Goaltenders heading to NHL Free Agency
Tuukka Rask: There remains to be some questions in Boston about Rask’s future. The 34 year-old net-minder addressed his mindset heading into the season. “I’ve said before I have no intention of playing anywhere else but the Bruins, so if I’m good enough to play one, two, three more years then so be it,” he said via Zoom. “If not, then so be it. So that’s where my head is at.” The Bruins may like to brink him back, but it won’t be for the $7 million AAV he’s coming off of. That being said, some desperate Cup contender just might if he hits the open market.
Frederik Andersen: If there was one goalie on this list I could see in a new uniform, it is Frederik Andersen. You almost get the sense he’s worn out his welcome with the Toronto fans and media. The 31 year-old is currently on LTIR, and earns $5 million AAV. He will be looking for a raise, but it appears the Leafs may be very happy with Jack Campbell going forward.
Pekka Rinne: This man wants to retire a member of the Nashville Predators. He first pulled a Predators sweater over his head on December 15, 2005 in a win over the Blackhawks. He became their number one goalie in the 2007-2008 season has never looked back. When the 38 year-old goalie was asked about his future before the deadline he provided a straight forward response. He said, “I do want to retire as a Predator.” If Rinne is looking to play past this season and the Preds want to go a different direction, will he retire? Or chase a Cup with a contender on a one year-deal? That’s the question.
Phillip Grubauer: Here’s another name that is a pending UFA but is unlikely to get there. The Colorado Avalanche will look to lock up the 29 year-old Grubauer but they will have to fork over more than his current $3.33 AAV. If the Avs try to low-ball him and he goes to the open market, he could wear another sweater.
Linus Ullmark: This is the guy people should target. The 27 year-old goalie is coming off a bargain deal of $2.6 million and is going to be worth at least double. He’s an absolute gamer playing on one of the most abysmal teams I’ve ever seen in my 30 years of watching the sport. The Sabres want to keep him and thus refused to move him at the deadline, his camp may be looking at the freedom of free agency. We will see where this goes.
