According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, San Jose Sharks goalie Kaapo Kahkonen has legitimate trade value.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, San Jose Sharks goalie Kaapo Kahkonen has legitimate trade value.

During a New Year's Day 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman reported that teams are struggling to find good value in the goalie trade market.

"I heard [the Toronto Maple Leafs] did not like what was being offered to them," Friedman said. "They were saying, 'could we throw a six-rounder out and get someone,' and teams were saying no and want a prospect."

When it comes to the Sharks and Kahkonen, Friedman said this:

"One goalie's name who I've heard a little bit is Kahkonen," Friedman explained. "Expiring deal. If you look at the underlying numbers, very good goals-saved above expected. I think there are a few teams that thought about him."

Friedman explained that teams are still unsure of the price to acquire Kahkonen. San Jose likely wants more draft capital, but GM Mike Grier could want a prospect in return, given what was reported earlier. 

Kahkonen got off to a slow start but has certainly upped his game in December. Kahkonen played nine games in December and had a .914 save %.

"The only negative I heard was you just don't know," Friedman said. "He's never really had to do it before. He's having a great year. People think he's good."

Friedman continued to stress that there is no real way to determine the trade value of Kahkonen. He's never played in the playoffs, and while he is thriving on the Sharks, a new defensive system and the pressure of the Stanley Cup Playoffs could throw him off. There is the potential that being in a more structured defensive system could boost his already talented game. 

"My god, he can't be a system goalie because San Jose is giving up a lot of goals, so you have to like him," Friedman said about why teams want to acquire Kahkonen. "I know there are some teams out there [thinking] what price am I going to have to pay for a guy I haven't seen yet, but teams like him."

Whatever the case, when Elliotte Friedman starts talking about teams inquiring about players, he usually isn't wrong. The saying 'where there is smoke, there is fire' runs true during deadline time. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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