The Ottawa Senators aim to improve their goaltending during the off-season, a challenging task for President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios, who is exploring his options. After an unsuccessful attempt to acquire Boston Bruins’ goaltender Linus Ullmark at the NHL trade deadline in March, the Senators are expected to try again before the draft on June 28-29 in Las Vegas. Ullmark, who refused to alter his 15-team no-trade list which blocked a potential deal to the Devils, is entering the final year of his $5 million contract. The Bruins want to sign Jeremy Swayman to a long-term extension, making Ullmark available for trade.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney acknowledged the possibility of trading Ullmark, stating he would be taking calls on the goalie during the off-season. The Senators, who offered a package including Joonas Korpisalo at the deadline, may need to present a significantly better offer, possibly involving defenseman Jakob Chychrun and draft picks. Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg, both of whom had poor performances last season, might not be appealing trade pieces. Sweeney emphasized that trade discussions with players remain private until necessary.
The Senators’ goaltending decisions this off-season will be closely watched. Meanwhile, newly appointed head coach Travis Green is working on assembling his staff, potentially bringing in former Anaheim Ducks assistant Newell Brown and considering John Gruden from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, both of whom have previous connections with Green and Senators’ owner Michael Andlauer.
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