Tons of NHL teams are looking for goaltending help. Unfortunately for them, the options available in free agency this summer are slim.
Goaltenders aren't typically premier free agents anyway, so 2023 isn't any different for them, unlike at other positions.
Any of the big transactions involving goalies will come via trade this offseason. In terms of quality, proven starters, two will be free agents come July 1, with a few veteran backups in play as well.
MORE: Seven bold predictions for the 2023 NHL offseason
The Sporting News ranks the top five goaltenders available in free agency.
NHL free agency 2023: Goalie rankings
1. Tristan Jarry
Jarry is arguably the best goaltender available on the free agent market, which should say everything about the market. His 2.90 goals-against average was his worst as the Penguins' starter, and his .909 save percentage wasn't much more impressive. Between his age (28) and multiple teams looking for goaltender, Jarry won't have a problem finding a new place, but don't expect him to get a big contract.
2. Frederik Andersen
Injuries kept Andersen out for chunks of last season. As a result, the Dane made only 34 appearances for the Hurricanes. He ended the campaign with a 2.48 GAA and a .903 SV%. When Andersen is healthy, he's one of the better goaltenders in the league, but he has had trouble staying on the ice in recent years and, at 33, isn't getting any younger.
3. Joonas Korpisalo
After eight seasons in Columbus, Korpisalo was dealt at the deadline to Los Angeles to shore up the Kings' goaltending for a playoff push. He ended the season with 2.87 GAA and .914 SV%. The Finn hasn't yet proved he can be a true No. 1, but he could be great 1A in a tandem or one of the better backups.
4. Semyon Varlamov
Varlamov arguably is the best backup in the league. He reportedly will sign an extension to remain with the Islanders. That doesn't make a ton of sense with Ilya Sorokin around, but the two can once again pair up to be a dominant duo. The 35-year-old Varlamov sported a 2.70 GAA and .913 SV% in 22 starts.
5. Martin Jones
Jones ended up on the long side of a tandem in Seattle thanks to an injury to Philipp Grubauer, but he had the worse numbers of the pair with a 2.99 GAA and .887 SV%. In the playoffs, Grubauer was No. 1 and Jones, who suffered a hand injury late in the regular season, played just 19 minutes. He will now search for another backup job.
