Are the Toronto Maple Leafs looking at Matt Murray because they want to or because they have to?
That seems like a fair question, considering that the Maple Leafs are shopping in a goalie market that doesn't have many options on the menu. They are joined in the marketplace by the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres.
Those teams are looking at an available goalie pool that includes Jack Campbell and Darcy Kuemper as potential UFAs and Semyon Varlamov, Cam Talbot and Murray as possible trade targets.
John Gibson's name has circulated, but there is no indication yet that the Ducks want to move him. Maybe more importantly, the cost of acquiring Gibson would be steep if they do move him.
Let's review the potential available goalie pool:
Jack Campbell: It seems like he will end up in Edmonton, following the game plan Zach Hyman had last summer when he jumped from the Maple Leafs to the Oilers. However, let's not rule out Kuemper ending up there. Kuemper just helped Colorado win a Stanley Cup. Kuemper has a history of injuries, but was there this summer when the Avalanche needed him. He is an easy sell to the fan base and the Edmonton players. But the price is important to Edmonton. The Oilers don't have extra salary cap room. It would be easy for one of these goalies to price themselves out of Edmonton's consideration. Meanwhile, Campbell was sub-par for a good chunk of the regular-season. Lots of debate taking place these days in Edmonton.
Darcy Kuemper: Depending on his asking price, shouldn't he be the best option for Toronto? Would guess the Capitals are also looking at Kuemper.
Matt Murray: On one hand, he has two Stanley Cup championships on his resume. On the other hand, he has looked poor to ordinary in his time in Ottawa. He owns an .899 save percentage for the Senators.
Cam Talbot: For now, the Wild's plan is to have the tandem of Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Talbot, even if Talbot doesn't much like that.
Semyon Varlamov: GM Lou Lamoriello seems to have no desire to move Varlamov at this point. He likes the Varlamov tandem with Ilya Sorokin.
John Gibson: He could be an X factor if the Ducks eventually decide to move him. There might be a team or two not looking for a goalie to consider Gibson if he were available. At 28, he is in his prime. He could certainly help the Maple Leafs, Oilers and Capitals. But you will have to give up multiple assets to get him.
The Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings were smart to make their goalie decisions early. The Avalanche traded for Alexandar Georgiev. The Red Wings gave up a third round pick to talk early and sign Ville Husso.
Everyone talks like they have it figured out which goalie their team should acquire. The truth is there is no right or wrong decision when it comes to goalie acquisition. There are educated guesses that turn out well and educated guessed that don't work out.