The NHL goalie landscape is becoming increasingly thin, with few options available for teams seeking new goaltenders. John Gibson's move to the Detroit Red Wings from Anaheim marks a significant trade, leaving a handful of veteran backups like Jake Allen and Thatcher Demko who opted to stay put with their teams. The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a precarious position, potentially relying on Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard after missing out on other goalie options. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks have secured a strong duo with Demko and Kevin Lankinen, further complicating goalie availability across the league.

In a surprising twist, the New York Islanders have added David Rittich for depth behind Ilya Sorokin, highlighting the need for teams to secure reliable goaltending as injuries can heavily impact playoff aspirations. The recent trend shows that goaltending is at a premium, making it crucial for teams to solidify their position ahead of the season.