Fansided

25 top NHL free agents teams will be dying to sign in 2018

By David Rouben

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders battle for the puck during their game at the Barclays Center on October 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders battle for the puck during their game at the Barclays Center on October 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 19: Anton Khudobin #35 of the Boston Bruins stretches during the warm-up prior to action against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup play-offs at the Air Canada Centre on April 19, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 3-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anton Khudobin
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 19: Anton Khudobin #35 of the Boston Bruins stretches during the warm-up prior to action against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup play-offs at the Air Canada Centre on April 19, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 3-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anton Khudobin /

23. Anton Khudobin

Even though Tuukka Rask is one of the better goalies in the NHL, having a good backup is important for the Bruins. For one, their fanbase is extremely reactionary, in that every time he has a bad game, they’re ready to crucify Rask. Certainly, when he got off to a poor start while Anton Khudobin played well, it led to spicy hot takes such as this one. And when Rask struggled again in the playoffs, the calls to play Khudobin grew louder.

The Bruins haven’t committed to re-signing any of their free agents yet, but from the looks of it, Don Sweeney is prioritizing the backup goalie position. Khudobin should still be the favorite to stay, but if they part ways, they have an in-house replacement in Zane McIntyre while they could also look at guys like Chad Johnson, Antti Niemi or Jaroslav Halak. However, it’s safe to call Malcolm Subban better than any of those guys.

Why he’s in demand: Khudobin may be 32, but he’s one of the better backup goalies available. His numbers last season proved how effective he can be in limited opportunities. If the starter is struggling, he can keep the goalkeeping situation afloat and is generally a good locker-room presence. We’re seeing that great goalies carrying teams through the playoffs more and more, but they still need a reliable backup to keep their workload manageable throughout the regular season.

Teams with the best chance to sign him: The Bruins should be in pole position to retain Khudobin, but don’t be surprised if a team like the St. Louis Blues takes a shot at him. While they might take more risks to get back to the playoffs, signing Khudobin would be considered a safe play, and it’ll give him an increase in playing time.

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