Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask made headlines earlier in the week when he decided to opt-out of the NHL Bubble in Toronto, despite being in the middle of a playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Bruins will now be going with netminder Jaroslav Halak in Rask’s absence.
In another twist, the St. Louis Blues have decided to go with Jake Allen, a veteran who was seemingly on the outside looking in after last year’s rookie sensation Jordan Binnington backstopped them to the Stanley Cup, but who has struggled mightily in the 2020 postseason with an 0-4 record.
Allen has been listed as one of the possibilities that Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman could potentially go after to man the crease alongside Jonathan Bernier, as Jimmy Howard isn’t expected to be retained. But could St. Louis change their minds and hold on to him for another season?
Meanwhile, another possibility in Vegas Golden Knights net minder Robin Lehner has split time with Marc-Andre Fleury in their series against the Chicago Blackhawks. Fleury is under contract with Vegas for several more seasons, while the younger Lehner is a pending free-agent.
Still another candidate, Calgary Flames goaltender Cam Talbot, has impressed thus far in the playoffs, increasing his value to potential suitors.
Perhaps the biggest pending free-agent goaltender, Washington Capitals goaltender Brayden Holtby, hasn’t looked like one of the key figures of Washington’s Stanley Cup run of 2018. He’s 1-5 in the playoffs, which could have the affect of potential suitors having second thoughts.
Among the veterans expected to test the market include Philadelphia’s Brian Elliott, Dallas’ Anton Khudobin, and New York (Islanders) Thomas Greiss.
Red Wings fans, who would you like to see Steve Yzerman make a run at this offseason?
