Top Three NHL UFA Goalies Still Available
Over the past week, we’ve examined the top unrestricted free-agent (UFA) centers, wingers, and defensemen still on the market for the 2024-25 NHL season.
Although the talent pool might not be overflowing, there are still skilled players who could secure professional tryouts (PTOs) or one-year contracts, potentially even two-way deals.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the goaltenders—those fearless guardians of the net. The market for goalies is particularly thin, so we’ll focus on just three who have NHL experience and could serve as reliable backups or even No. 3 goaltenders in today’s league.
With that said, here are three free-agent goalies who could bring value in the upcoming season:
Kevin Lankinen
Lankinen stands out as the top UFA goalie available. Of course, opinions may vary, but his performance speaks for itself.
Last season, the 29-year-old Finnish goaltender posted a 17-11-6 record, with a .908 save percentage and a 2.82 goals-against average across 24 appearances. Impressively, he maintained a .929 save percentage at even strength. In five of his last six starts in the 2023-24 season, he allowed two goals or fewer.
Despite a combined .912 save percentage over the past two seasons, Lankinen remains unsigned as of August 15th, likely due to his desire to compete for a starting role. As teams finalize their depth charts, his chances of securing even a backup position may be limited. However, with many teams opting to carry three goaltenders, and the possibility of injuries or underwhelming performances in training camp, Lankinen is likely to find a spot. The question is whether he’ll have the opportunity to prove himself.
Antti Raanta
Raanta has spent the past three seasons as a backup goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes, earning a reputation as a dependable option when needed.
However, the 2023-24 season was a step back for the Finnish netminder, as he recorded a .872 save percentage in 24 games, with an even-strength save percentage below .900. In seven of those appearances, he allowed four or more goals, which is far from ideal for a backup.
Still, in the NHL, veteran goaltenders with past success are in demand. Few active goalies can claim a career .915 save percentage and a 2.48 goals-against average over 11 seasons. Raanta’s name recognition alone might earn him a contract or at least a PTO. And as with Lankinen, the trend towards teams carrying three goalies means someone will likely give Raanta a chance.
Martin Jones
Jones, 34, played a crucial role for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2023-24 season when Joseph Woll was injured and Ilya Samsonov was placed on waivers. During one stretch, he went 5-2-0 with a .953 save percentage, allowing just nine goals in those seven games.
However, his next 10 games saw a sharp decline, with a 3-5-1 record, an .863 save percentage, and 35 goals allowed—a disappointing end to the season.
Jones has a Stanley Cup to his name as a backup with the Los Angeles Kings and later led the San Jose Sharks to a Stanley Cup Final, so his experience is undeniable.
While it’s uncertain what he brings beyond depth and experience, teams value having a seasoned goalie ready to step in. Whether he’s in the NHL or the AHL, Jones offers an experienced option with a solid pedigree.
