Las Vegas Goalie Options and the Free Agent Goalie Market

[StayAtHomeAv]

If Varly is left unprotected, especially with Colorado's very weak unprotected skaters list (under the assumption Beauchemin waives), there is no doubt in my mind Vegas takes him.

With that said, I can't see a scenario where Colorado doesn't just trade Varlamov if they are protecting Pickard. Vice versa with Pickard. They drop off between Varlamov and the 8th forward/4th defender who'll be unprotected (again assuming Beauch waives) is massive. Even if they just get a Brian Elliott level return for Varlamov, which would be dramatically low compared to what kind of goalie he (sometimes) is, that would still be a net positive even when considering who they will likely have to still lose to Vegas which would just be a depth forward.

It would depend on a lot of things. First, as you mentioned, Beauchemin's status. 2nd, Varly's play going forward. 3rd, Vegas's cap situation. Varly's cap hit could either be a big deterant if his play doesn't improve, or it could be a positive if they need a big contract to reach their cap minimum even if his play still sucks. 4th, an unexpected Dman who isn't going to be protected, like Wiercioch (just an example), having a good year.

Seriously, Varly was a huge disappointment last year, hasn't been any better this year, has a 5.9 cap hit and has had injury issues. It's not a slam dunk he gets picked.