NHL trade rumors had Semyon Varlamov available for a trade at last season’s NHL trade deadline but New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello did not receive a deal worth trading the goaltender.
Reports are now starting to surface that the Islanders are willing to trade Varlamov this offseason if the right deal comes along.
Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports the Islanders would like to make a Varlamov trade to free up Islanders salary cap space to make other moves to improve the team.
I’m sure Lou is sitting there going, hey, somebody might just come overpay, knocking on my door for (Varlamov), then I remove cap space and I might be able to get something more for him.
One league source reporting to Kevin Kurz
What could complicate a trade is Varlamov does have a 16-team no-trade clause, but it is believed he would waive for the Toronto Maple Leafs, if they came calling.
It is looking like the Leafs are having a tough time trying to re-sign Jack Campbell to a long-term deal and NHL rumors have free agent goalie Darcy Kuemper asking for $6 million/year.
Varlamov has one-year left on his contract with a salary cap hit of $5million. You have to think if the Leafs don’t sign Campbell or trade for goalie Matt Murray, Varlamov will be an option.
