Contender already in line to acquire Anton Khudobin

Earlier on Tuesday, Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin officially cleared waivers, meaning that 31 NHL teams passed on picking up the fan favourite goalie for free. But that does not mean he is not on the move. Later that same day, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that Khudobin is generating interest on the trade market due to the fact that the Stars can retain up to 50% of his salary in a trade.

And now, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now believes the Penguins are interested in the veteran goalie, who would be a better backup to Tristan Jarry than Casey DeSmith, especially if the Pens hope to compete in the postseason. The reporter points to Khudobin replacing sidelined Ben Bishop in the 2020 playoffs and backstopping the Stars to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Stars have been trying to trade Khudobin for weeks now, but apparently have been unable to find a suitor due to Khudobin’s onerous contract. Had someone picked him up on waivers they’d be responsible for his entire $3.3 million salary this season and next season. Kingerski acknowledges the Penguins would need to make room on their salary cap to take on Khudobin’s deal if the Stars won’t absorb some of his AAV.

It would be a gamble for the Pens in a sense that Khudobin hasn’t been so stellar since his run to the Cup Final with the Stars in 2020. He has a 3.73 goals against average and a .873 save percentage in seven games with the Stars this season. And his salary will remain a sticking point for cap-strapped playoff contenders like the Penguins… The Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche are also believed to be eyeing an upgrade in between the pipes, though we don't believe they're interested in Khudobin at the moment. 

Let’s see what happens ahead of the trade deadline.