The Ottawa Senators finished 37-41-4 and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With free agency right around the corner, the Senators could be aggressive as they try and find some pieces in order to get back to the playoffs.
One potential target is Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom, per Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen.
‘League sources told Postmedia Sunday that the Ottawa Senators’ president of hockey operations and general manager has been working the phones to try to make upgrades and has been in heavy pursuit of a goalie. We’re led to believe that not only has Staios held talks with the Boston Bruins about Linus Ullmark, a league executive told this newspaper the Senators have been “one of the most aggressive teams” chasing Calgary Flames’ netminder Jacob Markstrom.'
Per the report, the Senators aren't just interested in Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins, but now they have Markstrom on their radar. Nashville Predators' Jusse Saros is another option for the Senators, per Garrioch. The Senators kicked the tires on Ullmark before, so going back and trying to negotiate again wouldn't be a major surprise for the team.
But, landing Makstrom would be a massive addition for the Flames, although they might have competition with the New Jersey Devils: ‘While the New Jersey Devils are considered the frontrunner in trying to acquire Markstrom, a league executive stated that Staios and the Senators have held several discussions with Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy to see if they can find a fit to make a deal.'
What the Senators might trade to land Jacob Markstrom
What would it take to land Markstrom? Well, it wouldn't be cheap at all. Markstrom went 23-23 with the Flames this past season with a .905 save percentage and a 2.78 GAA. The biggest issue is Markstrom might want to compete for a Stanley Cup, and the Senators might be further away than he is hoping for.
Still, a potential trade for Markstrom would include a player and pick, per Garrioch:
‘A league executive said they believe the Flames would likely be looking for a package that would include a first-round pick and high-end young prospect from the Senators in exchange for Markstrom.'
The Senators have the draft capital to make it work. They have the No. 7 and No. 25 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, so a deal could be in the works. The Senators hired Travis Green to be the next coach, so there have been a lot of changes in the franchise this offseason.
With the NHL Draft set for the end of June, it will be interesting to see whether or not the Senators can strike a deal for Markstrom. If not, the goalie issues will likely continue for the 2024-2025 season.
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