Ranking the Top 6 UFA Goalies: Does Jack Campbell Return to Maple Leafs?

One of the most interesting recent offseason trends is the annual summer goalie carousel, as teams look to improve their chances to win with the addition of a proven netminder through free agency or via trade.

Here’s a look at the top NHL UFA Goalies ahead of free agency opening at 12 p.m. ET on July 13.

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6. Braden Holtby, Dallas Stars (10-10-1 record, .913 SV%, 2.78 GAA, 4.1 Goals saved above average (GSAA))

With just 43 starts and 45 appearances over the past two years, Holtby’s clearly past his workhorse days as a No. 1 netminder. Despite the 32-year-old veteran battling injuries the last two seasons, and being well past his prime, there’s potential for success in a backup role.

The 2016-17 Vezina Trophy winner has also 96 postseason starts on his resume. With a clean bill of health and a sheltered role, a prove-it contract could work out.

5. Casey DeSmith, Pittsburgh Penguins (11-6-5 record, .914 SV%, 2.79 GAA, 5.5 GSAA)

There will be suitors for DeSmith during the offseason, as he profiles as a serviceable backup who started a career-high 36 games during the 2018-19 campaign. Additionally, he boasts a respectable 43-28-11 career record with a solid .915 save percentage and 2.67 GAA across four seasons and 96 games.

It’s unlikely DeSmith develops into anything more than a solid No. 2 netminder, but he’ll also be an attractive option for teams because a cap-friendly salary is likely.

4. Ville Husso, St. Louis Blues (25-7-6 record, .919 SV%, 2.56 GAA, 15.0 GSAA)

Easily the most interesting free-agent goalie hitting the market, Husso broke out this past season and even stole the No. 1 gig from Jordan Binnington for a prolonged stretch. It’s a small sample at the highest level though, and Husso’s AHL numbers weren’t as impressive in his final two seasons in the minors with just a .909 SV% in 2019-20.

He looked overmatched in the playoffs but Husso flashed enough potential to be a hot commodity in the summer’s goalie market.

3. Marc-Andre Fleury, Minnesota Wild (28-23-5, .908 SV%, 2.90 GAA, 2.1 GSAA)

While it was only an 11-game sample in Minnesota, it’s definitely concerning that Fleury’s statistics didn’t significantly improve after being dealt from the basement-dwelling Chicago Blackhawks. He also struggled in the postseason with a .906 save percentage and 3.04 GAA through five starts.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion and 2020-21 Vezina Trophy winner is still going to be a coveted free agent, even if he’s probably past his prime heading into his age-38 season.

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2. Jack Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs (31-9-6 record, .914 save percentage, 2.64 GAA 10.0 GSAA)

Campbell won over Maple Leafs fans with a 51-14-9 record across three seasons with the organization, and he’ll be a hot topic of conversation leading up to July 13. The knock on him remains the same, though, as this year’s 49 starts are a career-high mark by a significant margin.

The 30-year-old veteran is eyeing a considerable raise, but can he be relied on as a true, No. 1 goalie? Furthermore, given their cap crunch, can the Maple Leafs afford to bring him back?

1. Darcy Kuemper, Colorado Avalanche (37-12-5 record, .921 SV%, 2.54 GAA, 25.1 GSAA)

A Stanley Cup victory would make Kuemper a household name, right? As it stands, he’s probably one of the most unheralded goalies in the league, albeit playing some of your best hockey for the Arizona Coyotes will do that.

Kuemper has a .921 save percentage and 2.43 GAA through 197 games the past five seasons, and he might just add a Cup to his resume. There’s a general manager or two ready to back up the Brinks truck.

Looking ahead to next season, Caesars Sportsbook now has odds for the 2023 Stanley Cup champion.

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