As a general rule only a few NHL teams change their primary goaltender every year. But in the next two months, more than half (16 of 31) of NHL teams could make a significant goalie move before the 2020-21 season starts.

With an unusually high number of goalies available, contract asks my be lower than usual:

Here’s an overview of what’s happening with each team:

Arizona Coyotes: Bill Armstrong was introduced today as the Coyotes’ new general manager, and undoubtedly he’s going to be hearing from several general managers about Darcy Kuemper. The word is that new ownership wants to reduce payroll. Kuemper, because of his ability and his $4.5 million contract, is their most marketable player. The Coyotes need draft picks, and it’s possible the Coyotes could get a late first-rounder for Kuemper.

Buffalo Sabres: Carter Hutton has a .904 save percentage and 3.07 goals-against average in 81 games as a Sabre. His save percentage was .898 last season. Linus Ulmark has a .911 save percentage in 97 games. Neither is the answer for a team needing to make the playoffs. Even if the Sabres are shedding payroll, they have to look at the goaltending market. They are said to be interested in Toronto’s Frederik Andersen

Calgary Flames: When the time comes, rumors say they will consider Jacob Markstrom if he hits the free agent market, along with Braden Holtby. They will call Arizona about Darcy Kuemper. They have the 19th pick. Not sure they would part with that asset. How about Marc-Andre Fleury as a Plan B, provided Vegas would eat half of his cap hit? Fleury has a no-trade clause. Would he be willing to go to Calgary and be a No. 1? The Flames also haven’t ruled out bringing back Cam Talbot who is unrestricted. Would they be interested in Henrik Lundqvist?

Carolina Hurricanes: The ‘Canes are also believed to be interested in Kuemper, but they don’t want to part with the No. 13 pick. They also might have interest in Henrik Lundqvist when he becomes available. They would have had interest in Robin Lehner, but he reportedly is close to agreeing to a deal with Vegas.

Chicago Blackhawks: The team is still talking to Corey Crawford, but it is unknown whether they can reach an agreement on money, term and projected playing time. He will turn 36 this season. If the Blackhawks walk away from him, they can probably secure someone younger, and maybe less expensive. Would they consider the veteran Andersen?

Detroit Red Wings: It makes sense for the Red Wings to upgrade their goaltending, adding a layer of confidence to a young team trying to improve. One report says the Red Wings will pursue Markstrom if he is available. If the Red Wings wanted someone to fit with their young team, they might consider trading for Matt Murray, 25. But not everyone likes Murray, and the rebuilding Red Wings don’t want to part with draft picks. It takes guesswork to predict what the Red Wings are going to do because GM Steve Yzerman doesn't tip his hand.

Edmonton Oilers: Presuming Holtby’s price is reasonable, the Oilers would look at him. But don’t rule out Holland considering trading for Petr Mrazek. He knows him well from their days together in Detroit. He’s a less expensive way to change up Edmonton’s goaltending. He’s played well in Carolina. They’re another team that might consider Lundqvist.

Minnesota Wild: They are not coming back next season with Devan Dubnyk and Alex Stalock. The Wild are expected to buyout Dubnyk. Guerin came from Pittsburgh and may be interested in acquiring Murray, or they might talk to Holtby. They like rookie Kaapo Kahkonen for the future. Maybe Lundqvist could be a short-term fix.

Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens have already changed their look by boldly trading for Jake Allen. No one saw that coming.

New York Rangers: The Rangers will buy out Lundqvist to set-up for next year’s goalie tandem of Igor Shestyorkin and Alexandar Georgiev.

Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins want to move Matt Murray. Word is that they want a first-round pick in the deal. They haven’t moved him yet, mostly because Murray is coming off a poor season.

Toronto Maple Leafs: With Andersen having only one season left on his contract, the Maple Leafs are considering trading him. Kyle Dubas probably would be interested in Kuemper, or maybe Holtby or Lundqvist on a short deal at the right price

Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks are still talking contract with Markstrom, but Thatcher Demko’s strong play in his brief playoff time probably gives the team more confidence it can survive without Markstrom. If Markstrom re-signs, the Canucks will have to move Demko who wants his chance to play. The Red Wings, Hurricanes, Sabres and Sharks should be among the parties interested in Demko

San Jose Sharks: With Martin Jones not getting the job done, GM Doug Wilson is looking for another goalie, someone capable of stealing the net. He can’t trade Jones because he has for more seasons at $5.75 million. The Sharks probably will look at Talbot, Mrazek, Thomas Greiss, Jimmy Howard, etc.

Vegas Golden Knights: They have a messy situation. Popular Fleury didn’t deserve to lose his job, but he did in the playoffs. If the Golden Knights, as expected, sign Lehner, they need to move Fleury, especially if they want to make a run at signing Alex Pietrangelo. To move Fleury, they will have to retain some of his cap hit. And they are at Fleury’s mercy a bit because of his no-trade clause.

Washington Capitals: The Capitals are saying goodbye to Braden Holtby. They are ready for Ilya Samsonov. They will look at a veteran to back him up, maybe Greiss.