Earlier this week, I presented the Los Angeles Kings with a possible trade option between the pipes. Here are three unrestricted free agent goaltenders who could be a good fit for the Kings.
Note – Cam Talbot is not included below. That's not to say I wouldn't welcome his return, but I think he's a big-name commodity and would love to see what other names come up if the Kings explore free agency. I thought.
with stick tap evolving hockey And their contract predictions too. Let's go.
Anthony Stratz – Evolving hockey contract projections: 3 years, $3.47 million AAV
Anthony Stolarz made this list during practice last summer, and for good reason. In 27 games with the Florida Panthers this season, Stratz posted a 16-7-2 record, a 2.03 GAA, and a .925 SV%.Among goaltenders who played in at least 10 games, Stolarz was third in GSAx/60. (per money pack). He did all this while earning his AAV of $1.1 million on his one-year contract. The 30-year-old netminder will certainly be in line for a $1.1 million raise, but evolving hockey He is projected to be under contract for three years, with a projected AAV of $2.57 million on a two-year deal. If they can get him a short-term deal, it would be a very solid deal for any team.
Over the past three seasons, the Strars have ranked 16th in the NHL. evolving hockey GSAx. More than Jake Oettinger, Jeremy Swayman, Ilya Sorokin, and Linus Ullmark, to name a few.
We're all aware of L.A.'s cap limitations, but if there's a way to fit Straz on a short-term contract, he would be a solid option. Having spent most of his career as a reserve player, Stolarz will have a great chance to earn many starts in Los Angeles.
Laurent Broissois – Evolving hockey contract predictions: 3 years, 3.81 million AAV
Laurent Brossoit has never made $3 million in AAV in his career, and I really don't think he'll get that with this deal. evolving hockey The projected one- and two-year contracts are $2.05 million AAV and $2.24 million AAV, respectively, which I think may be a little high as well.
The 31-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets for the 2023-24 season, earning him $1.75 million. And he was solid again. Similar to Stolarz above, he was one of the best players in the NHL with GSAx/60. (per MoneyPuck) They are two places ahead of Stolarz in 5th place.
Brossoit ranks in the top 20 in high-danger save percentage and ranks second in 2022-23. (by MoneyPuck). Last season in Winnipeg, the British Columbia native posted a 15-5-2 record with a 2.00 GAA and .927 SV%. He has quietly been one of the best backup goaltenders in the NHL for a while now. Could he work with the LA Kings and grow?
Kevin Lankinen – Evolving hockey contract projections: 1 year, $1.46 million AAV
There will be a lot of conversation this summer about the Nashville Predators and their goaltending situation. Starter Juuse Saros has been the subject of trade rumors for the past few seasons, as top prospect Yaroslav Askarov has been knocking on the NHL door. Assuming Saros remains in Music City, his backup Kevin Lankinen could remain a potential target come July.
Lankinen, 29, has started 17 games this season and is 11-6 (24 games played) with a 2.82 GAA and .908 SV%. Last year, Lankinen posted an impressive .916 SV% with the Predators. In the 23-24 season, Lankinen finished 21st in GSAx/60. (per MoneyPuck), He was tied with L.A.'s Cam Talbot and placed behind Igor Shesterkin and Charlie Lindgren. Lankinen was 11th in the NHL with the same rating in the 22-23 season.
If LA releases Talbot, Lankinen, a Finn, could fill that role cheaply.
Whether the LA Kings take control back with Talbot and Rittich, pursue the trade market, or pursue free agency, they will have options at minimal cost.
Main photo credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
