Logjam in goal in Dallas could force a trade, as Ben Bishop could end up being cleared to play

The Dallas Stars may have a very good problem in 2021-22, as goaltender Ben Bishop, who missed the entire 2020-21 season, appears to be inching closer to full health and a return to NHL action.

Bishop's status essentially means that the Stars have four NHL-caliber goaltenders who are vying for just two roster spots.

22-year-old Jake Oettinger put himself on the map last season, appearing in 29 games for the Stars, carrying a 2.36 GAA and a .911 SV%. However, given his ability to be sent down without needing to pass through waivers, it is more likely than not that he plays with the Texas Stars in the AHL this season.

While Oettinger is probable to start in the AHL, the Stars also have veteran goaltenders Braden Holtby and Anton Khudobin on the books, who are each hoping for a bounceback season in 2021-22.

Senior Staff Writer for the Dallas Stars Mike Heika has suggested that the Stars could look to deal one of Holtby or Khudobin this season.

Heika has reported that Bishop continues to work out daily, but has not yet been cleared to play, and before the Stars look to trade one of their veteran goaltenders, they want to ensure that Bishop is 100% healthy.

Of Holtby and Khudobin, I would suspect that Khudobin has the higher trade value, despite being 3 years Holtby's senior. That said, Khudobin, a long-time Star, is a goaltender that the team trusts and is familiar with.

This could become an intriguing situation as the days come off the calendar - especially if Bishop is medically cleared in the not-too-distant future.

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