Evan’s NHL Daily: Fleury Makes Sense, Goalie Trade Talk

There’s a lot of trade talk around the media circles of the NHL right now, and absolutely no action…yet, at least. That’s bound to change at some point, but it seems like a lot of the talk right now is around goaltenders.

The Colorado Avalanche are in the market for one of those goaltenders, and on Friday, I talked about why it makes sense for the Avalanche to pursue Marc-Andre Fleury prior to the NHL Trade Deadline.

All that and more in this Saturday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

Looking back at the loss in Boston, where Mikko Rantanen was severely outplayed by David Pastrnak.

Fans have brought up the idea of Marc-Andre Fleury to the Avalanche in years past, but it never made sense. This year, it does.

The Avalanche will finish up their road trip in Philadelphia Saturday afternoon, and we’ve got you covered for that game.

You can get a subscription to CHN+ for $29.99 a year with the code “evan10” and get access to the + content on every site in the network. In addition to the + content, everything will be ad-free, which is the biggest perk.

Goalie Trade Talk

Goaltending in the NHL this year has been pretty bad, so it makes sense that a lot of teams have a need in net. Not all the goaltenders that are potentially available are all that appealing.

On ESPN, Kevin Weekes talked about Fleury being a good fit for New Jersey. That team could use literally any goaltender that can stop a puck, so that also makes sense.

Jacob Markstrom has had a bit of a bounce-back year in Calgary, but with two years on his deal, he may be tougher to deal. Another guy that makes sense for New Jersey.

Elvis Merzlikins has been vocal about being a #1 goaltender in the NHL, but his numbers kind of say otherwise. He wants out, but I just can’t see another team trading for him with that contract.

**News Of The Weekes**
Talking the latest on the Goalie Trade Market aka the Goalie Carousel 🎠 🥅.
I see the great Flower 🌸 as a fit for @NJDevils , the latest on Mrazek w @NHLBlackhawks and more. @espnSteveLevy @espn #HockeyX pic.twitter.com/GLlSUXaFwx

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) January 19, 2024

And then you have the Nashville Predators. Juuse Saros is one of the best goalies in the world, but they’ve also got Yaroslav Askarov in the AHL and he’ll be ready to go soon. The Predators seem willing to trade Saros if the right offer comes along, but they’re asking for the moon. Another guy the Devils would love, but I’m not sure anyone would be willing to meet Barry Trotz’s demands.

It will be interesting to watch over the next 45 days or so. We know all these guys won’t be traded, but any team looking for a goalie will have some options.

National Hockey Now

Why the Penguins should (& shouldn’t) trade Jake Guentzel. (+)

Sam Reinhart cannot be stopped, and his teammates can’t believe what they’re seeing.

John Tortorella is hinting that more trades are coming for the Philadelphia Flyers.