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Colorado Avalanche could end Darcy Kuemper era with latest trade

By Eric Treuden

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 18: Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 18: Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers have lined up on a trade on NHL Draft Day.

The Colorado Avalanche have found their new goaltender, as they are set to acquire Alexandar Georgiev from the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick, a 2022 fifth-round pick, and a 2023 third-round pick.

Georgiev was on the cusp of becoming a restricted free agent at the time of the trade and was coming up on a $2.65MM qualifying offer decision that the Rangers evidently have elected to pass on.

The 26-year-old Bulgarian just wrapped up his fifth full season (all with the Rangers to this point) and has been a decent contributor to this New York squad. In a total of 117 starts, Georgiev went 58-48-11, managing a save-percentage of just .908 along the way.

As things currently stand, the Rangers have Igor Shesterkin atop their goaltender depth chart and have the funds to add a backup option via free agency in the coming days.

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Colorado Avalanche: What Georgiev trade means for Darcy Kuemper

Darcy Kuemper, acquired by the Avs at last year’s trade deadline from the Arizona Coyotes, had the tall task of replacing Philipp Grubauer, who left the club in free agency.

Kuemper, 32, did a fine job in his first (and potentially only) season with the Avs, going 37-12 in the regular season and then 10-4 in the playoffs, winning his first career Stanley Cup along the way.

Kuemper is set to become a free agent in the coming days and while there was chatter around the industry that the Avs would make a move to re-sign him, the trade for Georgiev all makes that more complicated.

One thing to consider here is the fact that Georgiev is due for a pay increase in the arbitration process, but that still won’t come close to the contract Kuemper is going to demand in free agency. With the presence of Pavel Francouz on the Avs’ active roster, the club seems to feel comfortable going for the younger, cheaper option(s) to shore up their goaltender situation in the upcoming campaign.

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