As the NHL season progresses, uncertainty looms over the goalie trade market, especially for teams like the Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens. With the one-year anniversary of notable trades in mind, many fans reflect on potential missed opportunities.
Notable Goalie Trades
On November 30, 2024, the Colorado Avalanche traded goalie Justus Annunen to the Nashville Predators, receiving Scott Wedgewood in return. Just nine days later, they made another significant goalie move, sending Alexandar Georgiev to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Mackenzie Blackwood. At the time of the trades, Colorado was struggling with a NHL-low .856 team save percentage.
Performance Impact
Wedgewood’s arrival marked a turning point. Since December 3, 2024, the Avalanche recorded a .909 team save percentage, ranking third in the league over 79 games. In contrast, the Oilers struggled, sitting tied for 22nd with a .889 save percentage.
Current Goalie Challenges
Goaltending remains a major concern for both the Oilers and Canadiens. Edmonton faces challenges with their goalies Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, raising doubts about their postseason potential. Montreal’s tandem of Samuel Montembeault and Jakob Dobes has also faltered, yielding the league’s worst .846 save percentage in November. Edmonton ranks 29th at .861.
Market Outlook
The goalie trade market appears grim, especially in the midst of the season. Historical trends show that in-season trades tend to yield mild success. Notable goalies acquired through trades since the 2021-22 season have not consistently delivered the hoped-for impact.
Trade Possibilities
Several potential options for teams seeking goalie upgrades include:
- Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues): Despite a rough start this season, his past achievements include a Stanley Cup win.
- Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators): A highly sought-after option, but unlikely to be available due to trade protections.
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Buffalo Sabres): If the Sabres fall out of playoff contention, the young goalie may attract interest from teams needing a boost.
- Jonathan Quick (New York Rangers): The two-time Cup champion could be available if the Rangers underperform.
- Joseph Woll (Toronto Maple Leafs): With a solid save percentage and no current trade protections, he could be a valuable asset for the right offer.
As teams like Edmonton and Montreal navigate through their goaltending issues, the trade market remains a critical aspect of their strategies. They must consider both immediate needs and future potential to enhance their playoff prospects.
