Khudobin likely to be traded after clearing waivers today

In case you missed the news earlier today, Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin officially cleared waivers, meaning that 31 NHL teams passed on picking up the fan favourite goalie for free.

So, this means Khudobin is likely done in the NHL, right? Wrong!

According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, 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. 

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.

The Stars currently have three goaltenders on their roster with Khudobin, veteran Braden Holtby and 22 year old former 1st round pick Jake Oettinger. And it's Oettinger's emergence as a legitimate option at the #1 position that necessitated waiving Khudobin. Oettinger, a 6 foot, 5 inch, 220 pound native of Lakeville, MN has a sparkling 1.52 goals against average and .951 save percentage in seven games this season. He was solid in 29 games with the team last season too, posting a 2.36 goals against average and .911 save percentage.

As for Khudobin... well he hasn't been so stellar since his run to the Cup Final with the Stars in 2020. The 35 year old Kazakh has a 3.73 goals against average and a .873 save percentage in seven games with the Stars this season.