Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Available Goaltenders

06/18/2018 at 2:22pm EDT

from Jared Clinton of The Hockey News,

Here are 10 crease options this summer, both of the unrestricted and restricted free agent variety:

PHILIPP GRUBAUER (RFA)
It’s no secret that Grubauer has played his last game in Washington. His opportunity to usurp Braden Holtby slipped through his fingers when he faltered upon taking the starting reins to start the post-season, and now Capitals GM Brian MacLellan has made it clear that he’ll pursue trade options for the 26-year-old keeper. Teams seeking an upgrade in goal, or franchises that need a netminder to build around, could do much worse than taking a shot on Grubauer. Of goaltenders to play at least 80 games over the past three campaigns, he ranks third with a .923 save percentage and he’s ready for his chance to be a No. 1.

Already, reports have surfaced about the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes showing interest in Grubauer and with good reason....

CARTER HUTTON (UFA)
If this were broken down into categories, Hutton would likely sit alone as the only netminder who’s likely to be looked at as a 1B option this summer. It’s not that other netminders haven’t operated in that role before or that they’re not capable of doing so going forward, but Hutton is coming off of a remarkable season with the St. Louis Blues. He posted a league-best .931 SP and 2.09 GAA in 32 appearances, and there were stretches where he looked like the best long-term option for the Blues. It does appear as though the 32-year-old is destined for the market, though, and he’s going to get a chance to fight for a part-time job at worst and a full-time gig as a No. 1 at best.

So, which teams could use Hutton as a 1B?

more on the two above plus eight other goaltenders...

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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