As we all know, the best players typically aren’t found on the free agent scrap heap. Before they can ever hit the open market they are signed to a long-term deal or traded away to a team that locks them up.

In salary cap leagues there is only so much money that teams can spend on players. Max contracts exist in every league, but are reserved for only the best players. In the NHL, those players never get to the market. With everyone trying to get better and parity across the league, there is always someone willing to snap up a disgruntled superstar.

With the free agent market opening up July 1st, teams that were looking for goaltending help had very few options. The free agent market was pretty soft and with the best options really only available via a trade. Most teams have a number one goaltender in place, but here are five options for teams that want to add strength to their net.

Ilya Bryzgalov-The eccentric Russian does come with the warning label that he is more than likely insane, but he can definitely be an asset in the right situation. Bryz’ days as a number one may be a thing of the past, but at 34, he can still be a quality backup or even a spot starter in a situation like Carolina, Minnesota, Buffalo or Winnipeg.

Martin Brodeur-The iconic goaltender may go down as the best goaltender to ever play, but his phone certainly isn’t blowing up this summer with offers. The Devils let him walk because Cory Schneider is obviously a better option, and the Devils invited him to explore other options. Toronto is rumored to be an option but with his best days behind him, Brodeur will need to take what he can get.

Tim Thomas-No. Just, no. Maybe if Nikolai Khabibulin isn’t answering his phone.

Tomas Vokoun-With his career and potentially life threatening blood clot in the rear view mirror, Vokoun is a slightly older version of Bryzgalov, minus the peculiarities. His last full season in Pittsburgh, he regularly outplayed Marc-Andre Fleury and was an easy choice to replace the Pens number one when he crumbled under the playoff pressure. At his age, Vokoun is strictly an insurance policy. Not a bad option for a team starting a youngster like Columbus, Washington or Anaheim.

James Reimer-Consider him the odd man out in Toronto and while his salary arbitration looms don’t we wonder how good Reimer could be if he played almost anywhere else but Toronto. As a restricted free agent it will be interesting to see how negotiations work out between the former starter and his current employer. With whispers and shadows of Brodeur in Toronto, how long before Reimer becomes a former Maple Leaf?