Potential Golden Knights Goaltending Trade Partners

We've written extensively about the Vegas Golden Knight's current goaltending situation.

In short, they have three capable NHL goaltenders, and you can only have two on an NHL game roster at a time.

It is unlikely that Calder-worthy rookie goaltender Logan Thompson will be moved based on his strong play. So the decision on who to potentially move comes down to Adin Hill ($2.175 AAV) and Laurent Brossoit ($2.325 AAV), both of which are pending unrestricted free agents.

Out of the 31 other teams in the NHL, who could use a goalie if the VGK decide to shed one of their three for salary cap reasons, or to give them a better opportunity?

Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets have arguably the best goaltender in the National Hockey League right now in Connor Hellebuyck, who is the frontrunner candidate for the Vezina Trophy. But backup David Rittich has struggled behind Hellebuyck.

In nine games played, Rittich is 5-4 with a .908 save percentage and has only a 0.2 goals saved above average.

The Jets are in contention for the top spot in the Central Division. Adding a better backup to take the workload off of Hellebuyck might be a smart move for Jets general manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff.

Of course, Brossoit has already played in Winnipeg from 2018-21 as Hellebuyck's backup, which either makes this hypothetical move make tons of sense or no sense at all.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers are in a very similar situation to the Jets in that they have an overachieving goaltender with a selection of mediocre backups. The Flyers are leaning heavily on Carter Hart, who could be out for a bit with an injury. Samuel Ersson and Felix Sandstrom are the backups.

Unlike the Jets, the Flyers are not in a spot to contend for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So adding a backup in Brossoit or Hill would mean they either want to be a more competitive team or that Hart will be out for a long time.

Vancouver Canucks

Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko is out for six weeks with a lower-body injury. As a result, Spencer Martin and Collin Delia have been the rotation for the Canucks, who are seven points out of a playoff spot currently. Perhaps the Canucks could be interested in either Hill or Brossoit. 

This is arguably the least-likely destination, given the Canucks struggles in both the standings and with the NHL salary cap.

Giving up an asset to patch a hole in the goaltending spot that will be fixed when Demko comes back seems unwise for the Canucks.

Anyone Else?

For Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon, it's best not to pull the trigger until it's necessary. The VGK could free up space by moving a goaltender now, or wait until later in the season when buying teams could be faced with injuries to goaltenders.

Just look at last season, where we saw several starting goaltenders forced out of the first round. Having three capable NHL goaltenders could fetch the Golden Knights not only cap space, but likely more if they are wise with their assets heading into 2023.