NHL Trade Rumors: 10 Teams Who Will Be Looking For a Goaltender By the Deadline

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Although the season has just begun, it is never too early to start thinking about the NHL trade deadline. 

One of the scarcest resources, especially at the deadline, has always been goaltending.

This year may be a little different, though.

If the Nashville Predators fall out of the race and are unable to come to an agreement with their Vezina-caliber goaltender, Pekka Rinne may be on the blocks.

Surely, there would be several teams salivating at the chance to acquire a goalie of Rinne's quality.

Even this early, we may be able to see who those potential trading partners could be.

Here are 10 teams that will be shopping for some help in net when February rolls around.

Columbus Blue Jackets

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After a stellar rookie campaign, Steve Mason has been disappointing in net for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The team has been patient with him, but his time to step up may be running out.

The Blue Jackets added some key pieces this offseason and may be looking to get to the next level with or without Mason. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have a trio of young goaltenders—James Reimer, Jonas Gustavsson and Ben Scrivens—in the AHL.

If the Leafs are in contention at the deadline and no clear No. 1 goalie has emerged, they may do as the Capitals did and acquire a veteran goalie instead of waiting for youth to develop.

Tampa Bay Lightning

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to follow up their Eastern Conference Finals appearance with an even better season this year.

Dwayne Roloson is aging and may show signs of slowing down this season.

If that's the case, the Lightning will need someone new in the net.

New Jersey Devils

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Martin Brodeur is getting closer and closer to retirement. This may finally be his last season in the NHL.

Either way, the Devils need to start thinking about the future.

Which means they may look to acquire a younger goalie to build around for the future.

New York Islanders

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The New York Islanders have been dealing with inconsistent play by their goaltenders for many years now.

If they go yet another half season with an unstable crease, they may look to acquire someone from outside the organization.

Phoenix Coyotes

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The Phoenix Coyotes are beginning year one without Ilya Bryzgalov.

They will unlikely be as successful as they have been the last two seasons.

If Mike Smith doesn't step up, they may see goaltending as the reason for their downfall and try trading for someone else.

Dallas Stars

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Kari Lehtonen has done a decent job in Dallas, but the team is expected to falter this year without Brad Richards.

They may look to go in a different direction in goal as a result.

Lehtonen could be dealt for a goalie with more potential, as the team will likely begin a rebuilding process.

Ottawa Senators

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It's been a few seasons since the Ottawa Senators were competitive, and one of the biggest reasons is their inconsistent play in net.

This may finally be the year where they try to make a big splash at that position. 

Edmonton Oilers

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Although the Edmonton Oilers seem to get younger every year, Nikolai Khabibulin doesn't.

It seems the Edmonton Oilers will want to continue their youth movement by acquiring a goalie they can build around for the future.

Khabibulin could be dealt to a competitor for a younger counterpart.

Florida Panthers

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The Florida Panthers made a lot of moves this offseason in an effort to improve their team. However, one area where they are clearly worse is at the goaltending position after losing Tomas Vokoun.

Jose Theodore is no long-term solution and may not even be a solution right now, so the Panthers may already be looking to upgrade.