The Ottawa Senators are keen on strengthening their goaltending during the off-season. Steve Staios, the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager, is actively exploring options to address this need. Despite a failed attempt to acquire Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins at the NHL trade deadline in March, the Senators are expected to make another bid before the draft on June 28-29 in Las Vegas.
Previously, the Senators, along with the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils, pursued the 30-year-old Ullmark. However, Ullmark’s refusal to adjust his 15-team no-trade list thwarted a potential deal with the Devils. With one year remaining on his $5 million contract, Ullmark split his duties with Jeremy Swayman during the season but made only one playoff start. The Bruins aim to sign Swayman to a long-term extension, making Ullmark available for trade.
In a recent press conference, Bruins GM Don Sweeney indicated that the team is open to discussing Ullmark’s future. He acknowledged the possibility of finding a new contract for Swayman while exploring trade opportunities for Ullmark. Sweeney’s phone will be ringing with potential offers, and he remains open to discussions about Ullmark’s future.
Staios is likely to reach out again to see if a deal for Ullmark can be struck. The Senators had one of the league’s worst goaltending performances last season, with Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg both ranking poorly. To acquire Ullmark, the Senators might need to significantly improve their offer, possibly including defenseman Jakob Chychrun and a first-round pick.
Ullmark, who has a modified no-trade clause, expressed his desire to return to Boston for another year but also acknowledged the uncertainty of his future. The Bruins may consider taking Forsberg, who has one year left on his contract, as part of a short-term solution.
Meanwhile, Travis Green, recently hired as head coach of the Senators, is assembling his staff. He is reportedly considering former Anaheim Ducks assistant Newell Brown and John Gruden, head coach of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Brown, who has previous experience with Green, and Gruden, who has worked with Ottawa’s ownership, are potential candidates to join Green in Ottawa.
The Senators’ approach to their goaltending situation will be closely watched this off-season as they aim to improve their roster and become more competitive.