Goaltending has been an long and arduous battle for the Carolina Hurricanes for many years now.
Sometimes its good, sometimes its bad.
The number one thing it lacks really is consistency.
There's bright spots for sure, but after the way last season went with the goaltending bottoming out in the middle of the regular season and then Frederik Andersen's struggles in the postseason, do the Canes need to address the goaltending position once again?
Personally, I don't think so.
I think Pyotr Kochetkov, who had a tremendous season really in his first real crack at being "the guy" (at least through the regular season), is only going to get better.
If you're Carolina, you have to put a little more faith in him to be your guy.
I'm also not super worried about Andersen as a 1B option splitting the crease with Kochetkov. That way you limit his minutes and keep a healthy rotation going.
He's been a good goaltender, he just had a tough stretch albeit at the worst possible time. The year before that though, he was tremendous in the playoffs.
The big question with Andersen though is availability.
In the end though, I'm also not a part of the Hurricanes' front office. I don't make any decisions.
So if the Canes do feel like they need to make a move, who are the potential options?
Firstly, it won't be a UFA because the market is truly terrible. If a goaltending move is made, it will be through a trade and the Canes do have a huge trade piece in Martin Necas, but would the return be worth it?
Secondly, a move would also be predicated on moving Andersen out as you simply just can't afford having multiple goaltenders under contract for sizeable amounts, but can you find another trade partner for him?
Regardless, let's look at the top options on the rumor mill market:
Linus Ullmark - BOS
30, 6-5
2023-24: 22-10-7; 0.915 Sv%; 2.57 GAA
There's a lot to like on the surface with Ullmark.
The big Swede has had a consistent stat line for years now and he's proven that he can be a high-end, tandem netminder.
Overall, the 2023 Vezina winner has been one of the league's top goaltenders for a few seasons now... in the regular season.
The biggest issue with Ullmark though is that he seemingly collapses every year in the playoffs.
In 10 career playoff games, he has a 0.887 save percentage and some truly horrid performances.
With the same exact team, his counterpart in Boston, Jeremy Swayman, has had way better stats and has become the guy, which is why Ullmark is even a trade candidate in the first place.
He's just not a proven performer in those big games and is that really what Carolina wants to gamble on for what will also be a high price tag?
Jacob Markstrom
34, 6-6
2023-24: 23-23-2; 0.905 Sv%; 2.78 GAA
Another big Swede, Markstrom's name has been in trade rumors for quite a while now.
Despite being on a weak Calgary team, Markstrom has continued to outperform expectations, but I'm just not sure this is the guy that Canes would want to pay a premium for.
Because at some point, the Hurricanes need to stop bringing in 30+ year-old goaltenders, expecting to squeeze out the last of their usability.
Sure, Markstrom has continued to have strong years, but how much more in the tank is he expected to have?
What are the odds a move like that just ends in the exact same scenario for Carolina where they're dealing with spotty availability and declining play in goal?
Juuse Saros
29, 5-11
2023-24: 35-24-5; 0.906 Sv%; 2.86 GAA
Another year, another article where I just throw Saros' name on a list because he's a really good goaltender.
And perhaps this is the year Nashville finally decides to trade him rather than treading water in the murky middle.
Saros has routinely been one of the NHL's best goaltenders year in and year out.
The Finnish netminder is great whether in tandem or putting the team on his back and perhaps he could be the guy to push Carolina to the promised land.
Out of all the goalies even rumored to be available, Saros is the only one I'd consider being worth the premium price tag.
