NHL Free Agency 2018: Buffalo Sabres targeting Carter Hutton
The Buffalo Sabres are aggressively pursuing goaltender Carter Hutton in NHL free agency
Going into this offseason, the Buffalo Sabres need to find a goaltender. After missing out on Philipp Grubauer, who was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, they are turning to NHL free agency for their solution. According to Elliotte Friedman, their top target appears to be St. Louis Blues goaltender Carter Hutton.
The soon-to-be free agent is reportedly seeking a three-year deal. Hutton is coming off an impressive two-year tenure with the Blues. After posting a 91.3 percent save percentage in 30 appearances in 2016-17, he had the best season of his career with a 93.1 percent save percentage. This led the NHL among all goaltenders with at least 20 appearances. Hutton’s 2.09 goals against average was also the lowest among all goalies with at least 20 appearances.
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Throughout his career, Hutton has proven he’s a reliable backup goalie. In 138 games, he has a save percentage of 91.5 percent. While Hutton is 32 years old and age is often cruel to goaltenders, it’s worth noting he’s relatively fresh. In five years, he’s only appeared in 138 games.
Even if you include his AHL career, the most appearances he has in any two-year span is 94. So Hutton could be someone who can continue to be reliable despite what his age might say. However, a three-year deal is risky for someone who has been a solid, but never great, backup for most of his career. The Sabres must consider the risk of signing a 32-year-old goalie who just had his best season.
Hutton seems to be a good fit for Buffalo, though. He should help mentor 24-year-old goaltender Linus Ullmark, who has just 26 NHL games on his resume. Hutton would likely split starts with him until Ullmark is ready to take over. At that point, he would probably take a step back and be the Sabres’ backup goaltender.
In a week goalie market, Hutton did a lot to help his value with an amazing 2017-18 season. The Sabres appear to be the early favorites to sign him, though a deal cannot become official until noon on Sunday, July 1.
For more NHL Free Agency coverage, check out our Free Agency hub page.