The Ottawa Senators’ search for a new starting goaltender has been a prominent storyline this offseason. After two leading goalies, Jacob Markstrom and Darcy Kuemper, were traded on Wednesday, the team reportedly feels an increased urgency to secure a new goalie.
With Markstrom now with the New Jersey Devils and Kuemper with the Los Angeles Kings, Senators General Manager Steve Staios is reportedly making a strong effort to acquire Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen reported that the Senators have also inquired about Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros.
According to Garrioch, league sources indicate that the Senators have re-engaged with the Bruins to explore acquiring Ullmark to stabilize their struggling goaltending situation, with these discussions becoming more intense. This marks the second time the Senators have attempted to trade for Ullmark, having previously failed to secure a deal before the trade deadline in March.
The Senators had one of the worst goaltending records in the NHL in 2023. Joonas Korpisalo, Anton Forsberg, and Mads Sogaard collectively managed only 37 wins with a combined .888 save percentage, and they allowed 22 goals on the first or second shot of the game. Ottawa ranked fifth in goals allowed per game (3.43), conceding 281 goals overall, which was the fifth-highest in the league and the sixth-highest in franchise history.
Acquiring Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy in 2022 for leading the NHL in wins (40), save percentage (.938), and goals-against average (1.89), would be a significant achievement for the Senators. The 30-year-old had a strong 2023 season (22-10-7, 2.58 GAA, .915 save percentage) but lost his starting position to Jeremy Swayman, who played in 12 of Boston’s 13 playoff games. Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit for 2024 is considered a bargain for a goaltender of his quality.