One of the most important factors for a hockey team’s success is having a strong goaltender who is confident between the pipes. Goaltenders are the backbone of the team and can be the difference between a win and a loss. With that being said, to have a better chance of success, it is important to not overwork your starting goaltender.
That is why having a backup goaltender is so important. There are multiple NHL teams right now who are having some trouble in the crease and are rumoured to be searching for a backup goaltender to keep their playoff hopes alive. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs could use a reliable backup to help manage the workload of Frederick Andersen and the San Jose Sharks who are desperately trying to come back to a playoff spot as they cannot afford to tan this year as they do not own their first-round pick which they traded to Ottawa.
With multiple teams being in the market for a rental backup goalie, the big looming question remains as to who is available for trading?
Alexandar Georgiev
Perhaps the most sought after goaltender ahead of the trade deadline, Alexandar Georgiev’s time in New York is numbered. The Rangers young goaltender has been quite impressive for the struggling Rangers team. After an impressive NHL debut last season in which he played 33 games, posting a .914 SV% and a 2.91 GAA, Georgiev has made improvements this season, splitting the starting job with Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist.
If Georgiev has been so impressive and is only 23-years-old, then why trade him? Especially considering the fact that Lundqvist is already 37-years-old and nearing the end of his career. The answer is simple, Igor Shestyorkin.
Shestyorkin was considered for years to be one of the best goaltenders outside of North America after spending over three seasons dominating the Kontinential Hockey League. The 24-year-old Russian goaltender came to North America for the first time this season where he has been arguably the best goaltender through the entire American hockey League. He was recently called up to the Rangers where in three starts, he has been stellar, recording a .929 SV% and a 2.68 GAA.
Shestyorkin is believed to be the Rangers future starter after Lundqvist inevitably retires. The problem is with another highly skilled young goaltender in Georgiev on the roster, Shestyorkin is not necessarily the bonafide starter and will have to compete for more for a roster spot. Especially considering the fact that Lundqvist still may play another NHL season.
If Georgiev stays, Shestyorkin could easily decide to go back to Russia where he would be a starting goaltender. Having two high-end young goaltenders is a luxury that doesn’t typically work out. It results in having to trade one of the goaltenders who the team is confident will be the team’s future starting goaltender. For the Rangers, Igor Shestyorkin looks to be the team’s future starting goaltender which is paving the way for Georgiev’s exit from the Big Apple.
Keith Kinkaid
Kinkaid was once thought to be the perfect backup goaltender for the Habs that could help manage Carey Price’s heavy workload. Fast forward past the NHL All-Star break and things clearly have not gone as planned. The former New Jersey Devils starting goaltender has not panned out for the Montreal Canadiens as they had once planned.
Kinkaid has put up career-low numbers in his limited starts this season. He has only started six games for the Canadiens this season and has since cleared waivers and is currently playing for the Laval Rocket of the AHL. With the Habs playoff hopes becoming less and less likely, they have even less reason to keep Keith Kinkaid. While Kinkaid is obviously not the sexiest option for teams in the backup goaltender market, he is an inexpensive option that could provide some reliable depth in case of injury.
Jimmy Howard
For the past couple of seasons, it seems as if Jimmy Howard is always a big name on the trade market. The 35-year-old veteran goaltender has been with the Detroit Red Wings for his entire career, however, the time may be right to hit the phones and find Howard new home. The Red Wings currently sit dead last in the NHL standings and Howard has not been one of Detroit’s few bright spots this season.
Howard spent a couple of games in the AHL on a conditioning stint with the Grand Rapid Griffins after suffering a groin injury. His stats this season with the Red Wings has been the lowest in his entire NHL career. Throughout his entire NHL career, Howard has been very consistent in terms of his statistics.
The 2019-2020 season is clearly an outlier for Howard and is something that teams should take note of. Despite his age, Howard has been a reliable presence between the pipes despite playing for a team that has been near the bottom of the standings for the last few seasons. Although his contract may be a bit of an issue, the Red Wings have the cap space available to retain a large amount of Howard’s contract if need be. For a team that may not be overly confident with their goaltending ahead of the playoffs, they may want to add a high-caliber goaltender to improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.