Boston Bruins: Could Boston trade for a goaltender at the deadline?

Is Kuemper worth bringing in at the deadline for Boston?

Now, let’s do Darcy Kuemper. After not finding his footing in Minnesota to begin his career, Kuemper signed with the Los Angeles Kings in 2017, lit it up for 11 in wins 19 appearances as a backup, was traded to the Arizona Coyotes, and has since battled it out with Antti Raanta for the starting job in the desert. Kuemper had two great seasons in 2018-19 and 2019-20, with sub-2.35 GAA in both years, as well as a save percentage above .920 in each season.

But the numbers have fallen a bit in 2020-21. In 18 starts, Kuemper is 7-7-2 with a .914 save percentage and 2.41 GAA. He also has one year left on his contract with a hit of $4.5 million. The recent surge of the Coyotes may change their deadline plans though, as the team is winners of three in a row and six out of their last seven. The desert dogs hold a five-point lead over the San Jose Sharks for the fourth spot in the West Division.

If Boston brings either of these goalies in, they’ll have them under contract for another season and could offer an extension if they feel it’s deserved. Ultimately, with both Merzlikins and Kuemper, they have proven they can be hot and can carry a team for a period of time. But for as often as they are on their A-game, they also fall back into becoming a headache in the crease.

With Dan Vladar performing well in the chances he’s gotten this season, and Jeremy Swayman as a budding prospect for the Bruins, goaltending isn’t a priority. Bringing Tuukka back should be Plan A in the offseason, and if that doesn’t work, find a replacement in the summer, not at the trade deadline.