Senators Rumors: Ottawa To Pursue Goaltending Help Again This Offseason
Analyst Bruce Garrioch recently underlined the persistent goaltending challenges plaguing the Ottawa Senators, signaling an imminent need for improvement.
With the team's current goaltenders failing to deliver consistent performances, interim coach Jacques Martin finds himself grappling with limited options, particularly evident in Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg's recent shaky outings against the Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins, allowing a combined 13 total goals over the two games.
Despite General Manager Steve Staios's endeavors during the recent NHL trade deadline, tangible solutions to bolster the goaltending roster remain elusive, leaving the Senators in a precarious position as they strive for stability between the pipes.
#NHL percentage of games played this season with a SV% under .800:
— T Raynard (@MrTRaynard) March 20, 2024
1. #GoSensGo: 16.4%
2. #LetsGoFlyers: 13.0%
3. #GoBolts: 10.3%
4. #FlyTogether: 10.1%
4. #NYR: 10.1%
6. #LetsGoPens: 8.8%
6. #SJSharks: 8.8%
8. #Blackhawks: 8.7%
8. #mnwild: 8.7
10. #ALLCAPS: 7.5
Staios's pursuit of goaltending solutions has garnered significant attention, with speculation rife regarding potential acquisitions this offseason such as Boston Bruins' Linus Ullmark.
The Senators signed Joonas Korpisalo to a 5-year, $20M ($4M AAV) contract last offseason and, thus far, the 29-year-old has been a major disappointment.
Across 44 games played this season, Korpisalo holds a brutal .887 SV%, 3.37 GAA, zero shutouts, and a 15-21-4 record. The Senators signed Korpisalo after his impressive 2022-23 season, the best of his 9-year career since his rookie season.
A frustrated Joonas Korpisalo letting his defence have it 😳 pic.twitter.com/F1AhJUDYHf
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 28, 2023
However, amidst talks and negotiations, the Senators' options are constrained by Korpisalo's contractual obligations, making the prospect of a buyout unlikely.
Nevertheless, the team may explore alternative avenues, including the potential trade of Forsberg, to augment goaltending depth and foster healthy competition within the squad. As the season winds down and playoff hopes dim, the Senators' focus intensifies on securing a dependable netminder to fortify their chances of success both in the present and in the future.
Looking ahead, the Senators face a pivotal offseason marked by critical decisions aimed at shoring up their goaltending situation.
Garrioch's insights underscore the imperative for the organization to address this pressing issue comprehensively, whether through trade negotiations or strategic free-agent acquisitions. Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
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