Having goaltending depth is always important but in this unique 2020-21 season that statement might be more true than ever. Just this week the Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars were forced to dress their third and fourth-string goalies due to a combination of injuries and potential COVID-19 cases, something no team wants to risk come playoff time.
But under the flat cap making moves isn't easy, which is why we've seen a number of goalies get claimed off the waiver wire -- some of them more than once. However, for teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals or Toronto Maple Leafs, a more proven goaltender could be had via trade.
With all that being said, here are 12 goaltenders who could be moved by Monday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, in no particular order.
All contract information can be sourced to CapFriendly.com
Jonathan Bernier, Red Wings
GP: 17 | SV%: .918 | Contract: UFA after this season
While the Red Wings continue to work through a rebuild, Bernier has been a bright spot for the team over the past three seasons. But as the 32-year-old heads to unrestricted free agency this summer, GM Steve Yzerman will look to capitalize on Bernier's value as a depth goaltender to add more draft picks or prospects to the team. Unfortunately for Yzerman, Bernier has been out since March 18 with a lower-body injury although head coach Jeff Blashill expects his goalie back later this week.
Elvis Merzlikins/ Joonas Korpisalo, Blue Jackets
Merzlikins -- GP: 17 | SV%: .916 | Contract: Signed through '21-22 with $4M cap hit
Korpisalo -- GP: 27 | SV%: .900 | Contract: Signed through '21-22 with $2.8M cap hit
With the Blue Jackets on the very fringe of the playoff race in the Central Division, the expectation is general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is open for business. Two of his more valuable trade pieces might be his goaltenders who, while inconsistent, have both shown flashes of elite play and come with affordable contracts beyond this season. As a bonus, Merzlikins doesn't need to be protected in the expansion draft as he's a second-year player, which could make him appealing to a team looking for a backup long-term.
James Reimer/ Petr Mrazek/ Alex Nedeljkovic, Hurricanes
Reimer -- GP: 19 | SV%: .905 | Contract: UFA after this season
Mrazek -- GP: 5 | SV%: .968 | Contract: UFA after this season
Nedeljkovic -- GP: 14 | SV%: .924 | Contract: RFA or UFA after this season, depending on how many games he plays
The Hurricanes are right in the thick of things in the top-heavy Central Division and will be looking to add before the deadline. But you have to give to get and GM Don Waddell said in a recent interview with The Athletic that one of his goaltenders could help him add to his roster. "If we’re gonna do something at the trade deadline, maybe one of the chips is one of our goalies," Waddell said. "I can’t say which one. It depends." All three goalies have had stretches of success this season and are on expiring contracts, meaning any one of them could entice another team to send an NHL-ready skater back to the Hurricanes.
David Rittich, Flames
GP: 15 | SV%: .904 | Contract: UFA after this season
Rittich lost his starting job when the Flames brought in Jacob Markstrom, so he's likely going to be looking for another opportunity in the summer. The 28-year-old had two decent seasons with the Flames before this one, where limited opportunity has somewhat hurt his impact. Still, his age and contract should make him a desirable option for teams looking for an NHL-quality body in net. With the Flames in free fall and likely to miss the playoffs in the North Division, GM Brad Treliving should have no problem recouping some kind of asset for Rittich.
Chris Driedger, Panthers
GP: 17 | SV%: .931 | Contract: UFA after this season
Driedger seized the net from Sergei Bobrovsky at times earlier this season but with the addition of Spencer Knight and Driedger's pending free agency, there might not be room for the 26-year-old long-term in South Florida. The Panthers may choose to keep Driedger as a safety net, but if they do opt to move him his $850,000 cap hit this season could be appealing to teams that can't afford some of the other options on this list.
Linus Ullmark, Sabres
GP: 16 | SV%: .921 | Contract: UFA after this season
The Sabres are coming off an 18-game winless stretch, but it's worth pointing out that Ullmark missed all but three of those games with a lower-body injury. Since returning March 27, Ullmark has a 2-1-1 record in four starts and overall this season he's only allowed more than three goals once in a game. As the Sabres consider whether they should enter another rebuild, the 27-year-old may be one of the team's more valuable trade pieces.
Darcy Kuemper/ Antti Raanta, Coyotes
Kuemper -- GP: 18 | SV%: .914 | Contract: Signed through '21-22 at $4.5M cap hit
Raanta -- GP: 11 | SV%: .913 | Contract: UFA after this season
The Coyotes remain in the playoff hunt but they are also entering a second-consecutive draft without many high picks. As the team weighs whether to go for it or restock the cupboard, both Kuemper and Raanta will be front of mind as two trade pieces, if they can get healthy before the deadline. Kuemper's success in the bubble last year could entice a team to add him for another playoff run while Raanta's expiring contract makes him attractive to a team looking for short-term help. But considering neither has played since early March, it could be a risk for an acquiring team to add them at this time.
Devan Dubnyk, Sharks
GP: 17 | SV%: .898 | Contract: UFA after this season
Dubnyk was traded to Colorado on Saturday.
