NHL Rumors: Penguins To Add Backup Goalie

According to Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, the Pittsburgh Penguins are likely to add a backup goaltender by the deadline. He noted that Craig Anderson, Anton Forsberg, Jonas Johansson, and Garrett Sparks are all potential options.

At this juncture, the Penguins only have Casey DeSmith available to be their backup, as Louis Domingue is currently sidelined. In 10 games this season, DeSmith sports a 3-3-2 record, 3.37 goals-against average, and .892 save percentage. Those numbers aren't the best, but it's also important to note that he just played marvelously in Friday's game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Anderson has missed almost the whole year with an upper-body injury but is set to return for the Buffalo Sabres for Saturday's game against the Arizona Coyotes. Before his injury, he was lights out for Buffalo, as he sported a 4-2-0 record, 2.50 goals-against average, and .921 save percentage.

The Ottawa Senators are open to signing Forsberg to an extension, but if they are unable to agree to one, he certainly could be dealt. It's been a very solid year for him. In 16 games, he has a 7-6-1 record, 3.01 goals-against average, and .912 save percentage.

Johansson was claimed off waivers by the Florida Panthers. However, all of his action this season has been with the Colorado Avalanche, as he has yet to appear for Florida. In his nine games with Colorado, he had a 3-2-1 record, 3.73 goals-against average, and .885 save percentage.

Sparks would likely be a third-string goalie if acquired by the Penguins. He has primarily played in the AHL this season with the Ontario Reign but has been excellent with the Los Angeles Kings when called upon. In his two appearances with them this season, he has a 1-0-0 record, 1.85 goals-against average, and .936 save percentage.

Alas, we will have to wait and see if the Penguins do decide to bring in a backup before the deadline's end.