NHL Trade Rumors: Islanders, Hurricanes interested in Philipp Grubauer
Per the latest NHL trade rumors, Washington Capitals backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer has numerous teams interested in him
The NHL’s salary cap ensures there’s a hint of parity in the league. One of the cruelest things about it is sometimes, teams have to get rid of a player they’d otherwise love to keep around. Washington Capitals goaltender Philipp Grubauer will likely be a salary cap casualty this offseason. The soon-to-be restricted free agent is drawing interest, according to the latest NHL trade rumors.
With several teams needing goalies and the unrestricted free agent market looking bleak, those teams that would like to upgrade don’t have many options. And, as they say, beggars can’t be choosers. In Pierre LeBrun’s recent rumors roundup, he notes Grubauer will be heavily sought after.
"Sources indicate the Islanders and Hurricanes are among the teams that have already showed interest in Grubauer, but I doubt they’re going to be alone once the Cup final ends."
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The Capitals would surely love to keep him around. Grubauer helped stabilize the team while usual starting goalie Braden Holtby was struggling. He began the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Caps’ starting goalie. In a career-best 35 appearances (28 starts), Grubauer posted a .923 save percentage with a 15-10-3 record.
Among those with at least 1,250 five-on-five minutes, his .9378 five-on-five save percentage ranked second only to Carter Hutton. Like Grubauer, he’s a free agent but he’s also six years older.
Islanders
The New York Islanders need to add a goalie. Preferably one who would be comfortable in a tandem role with Thomas Greiss. Grubauer would be a great fit in this role. He’s not used to be the full-time starter, but when he’s had to start, he’s been very good.
Of course, the Islanders aren’t as strong defensively as the Capitals. So that’s something to consider. But the Islanders desperately need goaltending and Grubauer’s by a wide margin the best long-term option available.
Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes issue, as it always seems to be, is goaltending. They spent a lot (both draft picks and money) to acquire and sign former Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Scott Darling to an extension. His first season in Carolina was a nightmare.
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With Cam Ward set to become a free agent, if the Hurricanes want to move on from him, they’ll have to replace him with a reliable option. Carolina would probably have to give Grubauer the kind of money a starting goalie would get. This would have them committing about $8 to $10 million for two goalies. But they have the cap space required to make that kind of commitment.
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