The Arizona Coyotes moved out Adin Hill this offseason and have Antti Raanta scheduled for free agency in two days, but that doesn’t mean they won’t listen on their other goalie. Darcy Kuemper is generating interest around the league, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, who lists the Toronto Maple Leafs as one team involved. The Coyotes–who have used their available cap space several times this offseason to acquire future assets–may be willing to retain some of Kuemper’s $4.5 million salary to get a deal done, but the price is “quite high” according to Pagnotta.
Kuemper, 31, had just a .907 save percentage this season, but showed off his skills at the World Championship, taking Team Canada to a gold medal. For his career, he has posted a .917 in 242 NHL games, a number that would certainly be interesting to several contenders looking for a tandem option. Toronto GM Kyle Dubas has been very clear over the past week that the Maple Leafs' top priority is finding a partner for Jack Campbell, considering Frederik Andersen appears to be heading to market. Kuemper could be that option for them or another team, although it will come at a cost.
- The New York Rangers could be adding some size to their young defensive group, as Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that the Blueshirts are expected to sign Patrik Nemeth when free agency opens this week. Nemeth, who is 6-3, spent this season with the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche, totaling 10 points in 52 games. He earned $3 million in each of the last two seasons, but could be taking a bit of a pay cut, according to Brooks, who expects a two- or three-year deal to be completed with an average annual value between $2.25 million and $2.75 million. The 29-year-old would certainly add some defensive responsibility to a blueline already brimming with offensive talent, although where he exactly fits would have to still be determined.
- After an outstanding season in the KHL, Chris Wideman could be returning to North America to join the Montreal Canadiens. Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reports that Wideman is a “good bet” to end up in Montreal when free agency opens. The 31-year-old defenseman led all KHL defensemen in scoring this season with 41 points in 59 games and then helped the U.S. win bronze at the World Championship. He last played in the NHL during the 2018-19 season and recently opened up about the Uber incident while with the Ottawa Senators that may have considerably changed his career path.
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