Insider Hints at Possible Trade Involving Current Leafs Goalie

Yesterday, the Lightning revealed that their top goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy, has undergone surgery. This setback will sideline him for the first few months of the season.

Lightning Need a New Goalie ASAP

The Lightning now face a challenging predicament. Despite Vasilevskiy being put on the LTIR, the team is still grappling with the salary cap. The lack of depth in the goalie position means they might need to take desperate measures.

Jonas Johansson seems to be the next in line for the number one goalie position. However, his record doesn't show much confidence, having a mere .886 save percentage across 35 career games. Last season, he briefly appeared in three NHL games, substituting for the Avalanche.

A few experienced goalies are still available. Jaroslav Halak, who had a 25-game stint with the Rangers in the previous season, has proven his worth as an NHL backup. Yet, there are doubts if the 38-year-old can maintain a frequent play schedule for two consecutive months. Brian Elliot, who was with Tampa last year, also comes with his set of challenges. His recent performance has been less than stellar, and it's uncertain if he can offer consistent, quality goaltending.

Lightning to Get New Goalie From Toronto Maple Leafs?

Given the limited free agent choices, Pierre Lebrun offers alternative solutions for the financially restricted Lightning.



An internal solution might be on the table. The team could potentially give Hugo Alnefelt, the promising 22-year-old, a chance to prove himself in the NHL. Last season, Alnefelt showcased his skills in the AHL, playing 33 games with a .904 save percentage and securing a 17-12-2 record.


As seen on Hockey Patrol - Top Insider Links A Leafs Goaltender To A Division Rival