Top 5 low-cost goaltenders the Blackhawks can sign in NHL free agency

Kevin Lankinen could find his way back with the Blackhawks

Kevin Lankinen would be a familiar face with the Chicago Blackhawks since he spent time with the organization for two seasons before he signed with the Nashville Predators. Lankinen didn’t have the easiest time in the Windy City, finishing with just a 0.901 save percentage and a 3.23 GAA, but he fared much better so far in Tennessee. 

No, Lankinen’s numbers aren’t great this season despite his 9-4-0 record, but even star goaltender Juuse Saros has struggled through a down year. This tells us the issues in Nashville could be on the team itself instead of the goaltending, and it’s also worth looking back at 2022-23 when he posted a 0.916 save percentage and a solid 2.75 GAA. 

Like DeSmith and the other goaltenders here, Lankinen would be in town for a year just to serve as Mrazek’s backup until the Blackhawks find a long-term solution in the crease. There is, however, a good chance Juuse Saros departs in the offseason via trade. Should he go elsewhere, Lankinen could stick around in Nashville and at least take part in a competition for a starting job with one of the league’s better teams. 

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)