Should the Blackhawks try to acquire This Veteran Goaltender?

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Cameron
June 24, 2022 (0:06)

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In an article published by Jonas Siegel for «The Athletic,» he discusses possible goaltender candidates for the Maple Leafs. One of the candidates on his list is Semyon Varlamov. Currently, Varlamov has one year left on his deal with the Islanders, but recent rumblings indicate that he's potentially being shopped. If the Maple Leafs can acquire him, why can't the Blackhawks?

It's not typically ideal to bring in a 34-year-old goalie when you're trying to compete and win cups. However, the Hawks have entered a rebuild at full capacity so they're not necessarily looking to win a cup in the next year or so. With that age comes experience - 14 NHL seasons to be exact. An experienced goalie might not be a half bad choice for the Hawks as they try to develop a goalie for the future.

As of now Kevin Lankinen is set to become a free agent this offseason, as well as Collin Delia. Chances are that the Hawks will let Delia walk and resign Lankinen. The Blackhawks also have young goaltender, Arvid Soderblom who could use some additional instruction from an experienced goalie.

Varlamov carries a five million dollar cap hit with him. With the Islanders potentially shopping him, maybe they'd be willing to eat up 50% of his salary. Perhaps even Blackhawks general manager, Kyle Davidson, helps the Islanders free up some cap space and takes on the entire contract. Or maybe, just maybe, he's a part of a mega trade deal for DeBrincat. In return, the Islanders are looking for a defenseman prospect. Ideally the Blackhawks don't want to be giving up many prospects, but maybe the Hawks can offer someone like Nick Beaudin.

Taking away playing time from the young Hawks goalies wouldn't be an issue. Over the past two seasons, Varlamov has only averaged around 34 games per season. If Varlamov was traded to Chicago, it still leaves 50+ games for Lankinen and/or Soderblom. This year, Varlamov had two shutouts along with a 2.88 GAA and .912 save percentage. Not the most impressive of numbers, but on the other hand, in the 2020-21 season Varlamov was quite impressive. Seven shutouts along with a 2.04 GAA and a .929 save percentage.

Given that was under defensive minded coach, Barry Trotz, those are still impressive numbers. Perhaps the Blackhawks can produce a trade and bring in an experienced goalie and provide a boost to their younger goalies.