The NHL's goalie market has two fewer names, but there are still potentially strong options for the handful of clubs looking for a new netminder. Linus Ullmark [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3MjcyNDQ5Njk4NDQxMDU0/usatsi_22929189_168400847_lowres.jpg] Linus Ullmark The goaltending market has tightened up in the NHL. Jacob Markstrom heads to the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/news/new-jersey-devils-acquire-jacob-markstrom-from-calgary-flames] from the Calgary Flames, and Darcy Kuemper returns to the Los Angeles Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-report-acquire-pierre-luc-dubois-los-angeles-kings] from the Washington Capitals in a wild Wednesday for deals. That leaves two fewer choices for teams seeking a change in net, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres. The Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers might also make a move if it's worthwhile. But there are still options. Here are five choices remaining for them, either on the free agent market or via trade. In no particular order: JUUSE SAROS, NASHVILLE PREDATORS The most coveted goalie who may – repeat, may – be available is Predators star netminder Saros. He is entering the final season of his current contract, which carries an average annual cap hit of $5 million. The Predators may opt to sign the 29-year-old to a lengthy and lucrative extension. But if they choose to deal Saros, he’ll bring a very healthy return, either in terms of prospects, draft picks or both. Saros is a difference-maker between the pipes, and if he is dealt to the highest bidder, he could significantly accelerate Nashville’s retooling process. LINUS ULLMARK, BOSTON BRUINS Ullmark formed a terrific tandem with Jeremy Swayman for the Bruins, but by the time the playoffs arrived, it became clear that Swayman was definitely the No. 1 goalie for Boston. That means the 30-year-old Ullmark is redundant, and there’s no shortage of teams [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-3-potential-trade-destinations-for-linus-ullmark] who would be interested in acquiring his services. Ullmark has a modified no-trade clause [https://puckpedia.com/player/linus-ullmark] that allows him to pick 15 teams he can block a trade to, but that leaves 16 teams he could be moved to. His $5-million cap hit in 2024-25 means the salary won’t be a problem for most teams. With the Bruins still intending to contend for a Stanley Cup and likely targeting player upgrades, Ullmark’s days in Boston are nearing an end. He’s the most proven asset after Saros, and he’s someone who will be motivated to prove the Bruins made the wrong move by dealing him. ANTHONY STOLARZ, FLORIDA PANTHERS Stolarz bounced around the NHL before finding a home with the Panthers this season, and he proved to be one of the best backups of the year. In 27 appearances, he posted a very respectable 2.02 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. Granted, playing for the high-functioning Panthers played into Stolarz’s individual numbers, but the 30-year-old won’t break the bank this coming year. He may double his $1.1-million salary, but he won’t get a $5-million deal as a UFA – and he will be a nice tandem option for a team vying for a Cup right away. LAURENT BROSSOIT, WINNIPEG JETS The 31-year-old Brossoit – soon to be a UFA – had a stellar season in his second stint in Winnipeg, posting a 2.00 GAA and .927 SP in 23 appearances. Brossoit has valuable playoff experience from his time with the Vegas Golden Knights, and his $1.75-million salary from 2023-24 will get bumped up by some team that doesn’t land Ullmark or Saros. Brossoit may not be the sexy name available to teams in need of a different goaltending look, but in the right scenario, he can be a solid contributor in his prime who can fit into most teams’ cap picture. CAM TALBOT, LOS ANGELES KINGS The arrival of Kuemper in Los Angeles spells the end of the line for Talbot with the Kings. But that’s not to say the 36-year-old Talbot can’t be an above-average netminder on a playoff-contending squad. Talbot put up a 2.50 GAA and .913 SP in 54 appearances this past season. His $1-million salary – which might be raised to $1.5 million or $2 million as a UFA – makes him a solid option for a team looking for better goalie depth. Rest assured, some team will take a chance on him. Where do you think these goaltenders will be next season? Let us know your thoughts on our forum by clicking here [https://thehockeynews.roundtable.io/THNHOME/posts]. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..].
