BREAKING - NHL starting goaltender of ten years officially gets waived by his NHL team

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Sam Walker
December 16, 2023 (5:05 PM)

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The Carolina Hurricanes are dealing with goalie challenges, and the latest move is putting Antti Raanta on waivers, as reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Raanta, 34, signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Hurricanes after a good season, where he posted a 2.23 GAA and .910 SV% in 27 games. However, this season has been tough, with Raanta struggling at a 3.61 GAA and .854 SV% in 14 games. A particularly rough game against Nashville seems to have led to this decision.

Carolina's other goalies, Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov, haven't been much better. Andersen, dealing with blood clots, had a career-low .894 SV% in six games. Kochetkov holds a .890 SV% in 14 games, both below the league average this season.

With Andersen's return uncertain, putting Raanta on waivers raises questions about the team's goalie situation. The only other goalie under NHL contract is prospect Yaniv Perets, currently playing in the ECHL.

There's speculation that Raanta's waiver could lead to a trade, as other teams might be interested in adjusting their goalie rosters. Teams like Montreal, Columbus, Buffalo, and Detroit currently carry three goalies and may consider reducing to two.

The move could also be a message to Raanta or provide flexibility for cap management. With the roster freeze nearing, the outcome of Raanta's waiver will impact the Hurricanes' next steps. If he clears, it gives Carolina room to manage their salary cap, adding a layer of intrigue to this goalie situation.