The 2019 NHL Free Agent Class takes a turn to the last line of defense. Goaltenders rank low in this batch and for good reason. Teams have become more and more leery of unrestricted free agents from this position.
Our first choice is a pretty good one but after that the pickings are very slim. Thin is being kind when describing unrestricted free agent goaltenders.
Anyway, let’s begin with a couple backups.
NHL Free Agents — First Time Goalies
3. Calvin Pickard — Philadelphia Flyers — 27 years old in 2019
Pickard bounced around from his closing stages in Colorado, to Toronto, and now to Philadelphia. The good news is he could get a short term boost with injuries to Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth. Basically, starting a few games in a row could not hurt. His numbers have not been great — 4.33 GAA and a .865 save percentage. However, he managed to win three of the five games he started.
The good thing is Pickard has a chance to get a run of games now. That is something he has experienced very rarely in his career. If he can establish himself in the next 2-3 weeks, that could mean a much improved payday. His numbers right now include a -6.79 goals saved above average which is not good. Combine that with an .806 penalty kill save percentage. So far, everything has not been near his career numbers.
He’ll earn $800,000 for the 2018-19 campaign. What could he make for 2019-20? Pickard must step up as there are few more chances for him in the NHL. This is the biggest opportunity of his career on what is a playoff caliber offense. If he can steal a few wins and play well, that could mean the starter position in Philadelphia might be his for a little while longer.
2. Casey DeSmith — Pittsburgh Penguins — 28 years old in 2019
Matt Murray caused Marc-Andre Fleury to become expendable in Pittsburgh. After all, Murray won two Stanley Cups and was thought to be the long term number one goaltender. However, some doubt has crept in and Casey DeSmith has seized a bit of an opportunity.
While Murray has struggled mightily, DeSmith has steadily chugged along in Pittsburgh. His 2.04 goals against average and .938 save percentage are nice, but his .933 save percentage on the penalty kill is impressive. Furthermore, he has a .937 save percentage at even strength. For those who think that may be a fluke, DeSmith performed at a .933 level in 2017-18. That was under a similar sample size. Pittsburgh may be struggling but it is not because of the goalie.
DeSmith earns $675,000 for the 2018-19 season. What may he get paid for 2019-20? If he gets in a timeshare or even becomes the 1A in Pittsburgh for awhile, that raises his price tag substantially. Could he get $2 or $3 million, maybe more? That remains a possibility. Opportunity is there if DeSmith keeps playing the way he has. Wins will come in Pittsburgh.
1. Semyon Varlamov — Colorado Avalanche — 31 years old in 2019
Varlamov becomes an intriguing case heading into free agency. He was the franchise goalie for several years but always apt to injuries. He has performed at a very good level for three seasons as a starter. His start this year could mean another payday come July 1st.
The caveat with Varlamov is always the health question. He never has started more than 63 games and has only started 55+ games three times. Also, Varlamov is one of those few goalies that can carry a .900 or better penalty kill save percentage throughout a whole season (he has done it twice). This season, he is at .907 currently plus features a .930 save percentage at even strength. Philipp Grubauer pushing him has helped immensely even if Grubauer may eventually take the starting role.
He’ll earn $5.9 million for the 2018-19 campaign. What could he make for 2019-20? Age plays a role as Varlamov at 31 may not get that eight-year deal at a huge AAV. Could he get a four- or five-year contract? That may happen. Will it be with Colorado? That carries more uncertainty. If he sustains his level of performance throughout the year, chances are Colorado re-signs him before July 1st. If he does not, maybe he sees around the same money somewhere else.