Monday Ramblings: Trade Deadline Targets, Injuries and Possible Returns.

Welcome to the newest edition of the Monday Ramblings. Once again, thanks to all the readers, and make sure to check out past articles from the team here at Goalie Post. With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching on March 8th, we will take a look at a few tenders who may be on the move. Away we go!

Trade Bait

Jacob Markstrom - Calgary Flames

Jacob Markstrom is possibly the best goalie currently being spoken about as a trade target for teams in need. Goaltending in the NHL is a fickle thing. Half of the year can be a complete disgrace and something to forget. The next half of the year can have you looking like an outside shot at a Vezina candidate. Markstrom has stormed back this year after a rough 2022-23 season and sits 15th league wide with a .913 save percentage amongst goalies with minimum 1000 minutes played. What is really interesting is that he is first in the league with a HDSV% of .868 in all situations, which means in terms of saving chances in tight, he’s been the best and not by a small margin either. The rumours are Markstrom had okayed a trade to the New Jersey Devils and it only broke down due to salary retention issues. Something to watch for if they can get a deal worked out going forward. It would be a nice landing spot for his owners.

Marc-Andre Fleury - Minnesota Wild

It’s been talked about that Marc Andre-Fleury would be open to considering three or so teams if he were to be moved. Fleury has a full no-movement clause in his contract so he pretty much controls his fate. The few teams rumoured to have been discussed so far are Toronto, Carolina, and Colorado. Not bad teams to go to if you’re looking for a shot to go deep in the playoffs. Fleury has decent numbers sitting eighth in the league for 5 on 5 HDSV% with an .867 and a GSAA of 6.73 at 5-on-5 play which is good for 10th league wide. Once you add in special-teams play his numbers tank to below league average but that can hardly be blamed on him. The issue so far with Fleury has been his starts and wins. Hopefully if he gets moved, he can gain some ground in those cats.

John Gibson - Anaheim Ducks

I think we’ve all seen the meme of the Bugatti parked outside of the trailer. This has been John Gibson on the Anaheim Ducks for the better part of the last decade. Although his play has dipped in the last few years, I personally don't blame the guy considering how hard he's been ridden in his career. Given the right situation maybe he can be reinvigorated and find some of his old league leading magic. This is a bit of a tall ask since he is one of the higher paid goaltenders in the league at $6.4 million a season until 2026-27.

Injuries & Returns

Connor Ingram/Karel Vejmelka - Arizona Coyotes

Ingram’s play has faltered a little bit as of late and he’s now expected to be out for at least 10 days. Expect Karel Vejmelka to continue to handle the load while he is out and possibly split starts when Ingram returns unless he can find his earlier season form when he’s back from injury.

Frederik Andersen/Pyotr Kochetkov - Carolina Hurricanes

Frederik Andersen has had a rough go this year. He’s been dealing with blood clotting issues since November 6th after playing in only six games for the Carolina Hurricanes. Pyotr Kochetkov has been starting the bulk of games for the Canes lately. Andersen has recently returned to the ice and has been skating on his own. Some great news for him and his fantasy owners.

Vitek Vanecek/Nico Daws - New Jersey Devils

Vanecek has been sidelined since February the 12th with what is being called a lower body issue compounded with an illness. It was said that he won’t be out too long. Nico Daws has had good starts in all four games since his injury and has won three of them. If he continues to play this well while Vanecek is out he may get the majority of the starts when Vanecek is back.This is all granted that the Devil’s don't make a move for a goaltender which in that case this is all out the window.

I want you all to know that I sacrificed for all Igor Shesterkin owners and traded him last week in order for everyone to enjoy his immediate shutout the game after. Anything for our readers! Download the Goalie Post app for start notifications and all your goalie needs. Follow my twitter/X @LOGoalz and have a wonderful week. I will be keeping tabs from Mexico so adios!