As trade rumors circulate throughout the NHL offseason, three goaltenders have come up in many conversations.
Three goalies highlighted in NHL rumors throughout this offseason are Carter Hart, Connor Hellebuyck, and John Gibson. While none of them are on the move yet, they've each been linked to different teams who are interested in them.
The Philadelphia Flyers have a big decision to make on whether to trade Hart. Hellebuyck has been one of the most talked about trade candidates of the offseason, but it now seems he may not be on the move from Winnipeg after all. Gibson is an interesting case, particularly because reports came out that he had requested a trade from Anaheim, which was then denied by his agent.
Where do things stand with these goalies now? Here's the latest on possible trades of Hart, Hellebuyck, and Gibson.
NHL Rumors: What will the Flyers do with Carter Hart?
The Philadelphia Flyers are in rebuild mode. Looking toward the future, they have to decide what their plan is for Carter Hart. Will the Flyers keep their strong goalie or will they trade him away for what would likely be a big return? Hart has an injury history which could be a factor. Back in May, GM Daniel Briere said on 94.1 WIP, "Most likely, Carter will be our goalie for the future, but I'm not in a position to turn down anything."
While the Flyers seemed open to conversations about moving Hart in May, they weren't shopping him around. Where do things stand now? He's recently been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who could be working on making room for him. The Leafs were unable to get a deal done with goalie Ilya Samsonov, so they went to arbitration, meaning he will only be signed for one year. Hart has also been linked to the San Jose Sharks.
While the Flyers have a decision to make, Hart will have one to make, as well, if he's not traded. Would he like to be a part of the Flyers' future even though it will be a while before they are a strong team? Hart had a .907 SV% and a 2.94 GAA during the 2022-23 season, which is impressive considering the team he was playing behind. He's heading into his age 25 season. Hart is an anticipated RFA with arbitration rights in the 2024 offseason.
It's a matter of if Hart is interested in sticking around past the 2024-25 season, as he's eligible to become a UFA afterwards. Will the Flyers decide to deal Hart? Or is he their franchise goalie of the future? Flyers fans are hoping the talented Hart stays.
NHL Rumors: Will Connor Hellebuyck be in Winnipeg in October?
With all the noise surrounding a potential Connor Hellebuyck trade this offseason, it now seems more likely he'll be in Winnipeg this fall. The Jets were hoping to trade their elite goalie this summer. If the Jets fail to move Hellebuyck before the end of next season they will lose him in free agency next offseason as he doesn't intend to re-sign with them.
The 30-year-old is considered one of the most valuable goalies currently in the NHL, earning 37 wins with a .920 SV% and 2.49 GAA in the 2022-23 season. However, the Jets hit a major stumbling block while trying to trade Hellebuyck. His desired salary for an extension is too high a price for interested teams.
The New Jersey Devils have shown interest in Hellebuyck and seem to keep circling around a potential trade, but nothing has come to fruition. The Devils could decide to go for a cheaper option or roll with their current goalies, Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid. Aside from the Devils, things have been quieter in the past few weeks on who is still interested in Hellebuyck.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman told the NHL Network this week that sources told him they "wouldn't be surprised if Hellebuyck starts the year in Winnipeg." He pointed out an important question the Jets have, which is, do they have a replacement for Hellebuyck? The Jets are looking to contend for a playoff spot. So it seems Hellebuyck might start the season in Winnipeg. That doesn't mean he'll end the season there, though, as the Jets could still look to nab a return for him before his contract expires.
NHL Rumors: Where will John Gibson be next season?
The Anaheim Ducks could move John Gibson this offseason. There was some drama surrounding the initial reports of Gibson being on the trade block. Following reports that Gibson didn't wish to play for the Ducks anymore, his agent released a statement saying that was false. The statement called out insider Frank Seravalli for inaccurate reporting. Since then, rumors have continued to circulate regarding a potential Gibson trade.
Gibson posted an .899 SV% in the 2022-23 season, the first time in his NHL career he was under .900. This isn't surprising considering the Ducks had the worst record in the NHL last season. The 30-year-old has a career .912 SV % and 2.83 GAA.
Teams who have been linked to Gibson are the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils. On the NHL Network, Elliotte Friedman confirmed that the Devils have looked into both Gibson and Connor Hellebuyck, among other goalies. Hellebuyck has been linked to the Sabres this offseason, too. The Sabres are hoping to contend for a playoff spot, while the Devils are hoping to emerge as serious Stanley Cup contenders. Adding a goalie like Gibson could push either team to where they want to be.
So what's next for Gibson? It's unclear if the Ducks are seriously shopping Gibson around. Whether or not he actually asked for a trade, Anaheim could decide to trade him anyway. It wouldn't be surprising for the Ducks to move him in order to receive a return that would help them rebuild. A move could happen this offseason or at some point next season before the trade deadline.
All three of these goalies could still be with their current teams at the start of next season, but there's still a chance they're moved before then.
