As many expected, it's become quite clear the Senators are asking around about available goalies.
It's no secret that the Calgary Flames have been entertaining trade offers for goalie Jacob Markstrom. And it's also no secret that the Ottawa Senators have been entertaining the idea of acquiring a new goalie.
At a glance, it seems like it might be a perfect match.
On the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts Podcast, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman was asked about the latest on Markstrom and said, "There's definitely something going on." He then linked Markstrom to New Jersey and Toronto.
"The other team I think that's in on almost every goalie conversation is Ottawa," Friedman said. "I don't know how Markstrom feels about that, but I was told every conversation that involves a goalie, you have to have Ottawa around it."
When Friedman words it that way, it sounds like the Senators are viewed as a team so anxious to find a goalie right now that they need to be invited to every goalie trade discussion party – a team that can help drive up asking prices, if nothing else.
Markstrom has two years left on his deal worth $6 million a season. At 34, it's safe to say that since Markstrom has a no-movement clause, he'll be angling to end up with a contender. But he was also available at the trade deadline, and while a deal with New Jersey was said to be close, the deadline came and went without a deal.
If Ottawa had the only offer Calgary liked, would Markstrom veto the deal and continue waiting? Or is he ready to get on with things?
Friedman says the Devils are on record saying they would consider moving this year's 10th overall pick. New Jersey was also kicking the tires on Markstrom back in March, and the Flames told him about it. When the deal fell apart, the veteran goalie told the media he wasn't pleased with how things had been handled.
The Leafs would have a natural interest since they need an upgrade as well, and their GM, Brad Treliving, was the guy who signed Markstrom in Calgary.
Any team acquiring the 6-foot-6 veteran would love to know which Markstrom they're getting. This season, he had a 23-23-2 record with a 2.78 GAA and a .905 save percentage. He played 59 games the year before, with a 2.92 GAA and an .892 save percentage. But in 2021-22, he played out of his mind with a 37-15-9 record, a 2.22 goals against, and a .922. save percentage.
It's doubtful that Markstrom would waive his no-move to come here, but if he did, he would definitely upgrade Ottawa's goaltending situation. The question is this: would he represent enough of an upgrade on Anton Forsberg and Joonas Korpisalo to justify what will probably be an exorbitant price tag?
As the Senators' fine new full-time assistant coach might say, "Probably not." But it all depends on exactly what that price tag is.