NHL Trade Deadline: Will Any Goaltenders Be Moved By March 8?

Is the 2024 NHL trade deadline the year of the goaltender? Several goalies have surfaced in trade speculation, including Jacob Markstrom, Juuse Saros, Jake Allen and more.

Several goaltenders have surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. Whether any of them get moved, however, is another story.

The Calgary Flames' Jacob Markstrom was the hottest name making the rounds in mid-February amid reports he was close to being shipped to the New Jersey Devils. However, that deal fell apart over salary retention, and there's been no indication the two clubs have resumed discussions. It doesn't appear that another club has made a pitch for the 34-year-old goalie.

Juuse Saros also generated a stir in the rumor mill last month. Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz acknowledged receiving calls for the 28-year-old goalie, especially from Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald, following his failed attempt to land Markstrom.

The Hockey News' Ann Kimmel noted it would take a mind-blowing offer to tempt Trotz into moving Saros. On Wednesday, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported the Predators GM didn't anticipate anyone meeting his asking price. “We're pretty safe in saying he's going to be here,” he said.

The Boston Bruins' Linus Ullmark has also come up in trade conjecture. Rob Couch cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman last week, mentioning the possibility of the Bruins moving the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner for a big center or defenseman.

The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa felt that move would force the Bruins to shop for an experienced backup since promising Brandon Bussi lacks NHL experience. Ullmark's 16-team no-trade clause and $5-million annual cap hit through 2024-25 makes him difficult to move.

Elvis Merzlikins garnered some attention in January with his waffling trade request. The 29-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets goalie had been linked to the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils. Following the Jackets' management change last month, there's no indication Merzlikins is going to be moved.

Tristan Jarry has been floated as a trade candidate, but the Pittsburgh Penguins goalie plays a crucial role in keeping his team's fading playoff hopes alive. The Anaheim Ducks' John Gibson frequently surfaces in the rumor mill, but his $6.4-million annual cap hit through 2025-26 is a major obstacle.

The San Jose Sharks' Kaapo Kahkonen has also come up in trade rumors. With Mackenzie Blackwood going on IR, however, he might not be available.

Montreal Canadiens netminder Jake Allen's name was bandied about in the rumor mill this season. So far, it doesn't appear as though he'll be changing teams by March 8.