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Ottawa Senators: Mike Condon Could Leave Ottawa

By Alexander O'Reilly

May 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators goalie Mike Condon (1) makes a save against the New York Rangers during the third period of game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators goalie Mike Condon (1) makes a save against the New York Rangers during the third period of game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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As free agency approaches talk shifts to who the Ottawa Senators could acquire July 1st. Unfortunately, this year it could be a tale about who is lost.

So many players had the spotlight for the Ottawa Senators this year. Erik Karlsson was the superstar, Craig Anderson and Clarke MacArthur experienced tragedy and resurgence, but it was Mike Condon who saved the season. Acquired for just a 5th round pick on November 2nd, Condon got the Sens through the middle part of the season.

By the Numbers

Posting 19 wins in 38 starts and a .914 save percentage Condon wasn’t a star, but he was what the Sens needed. With Anderson gone indefinitely during the middle of the season to be with his wife Condon stepped up and did what backup goaltenders are asked to do, be good enough. He gave the Senators a chance to succeed and set them up with a chance to make the playoffs.

The Goaltender of the Future

At the age of 27 Condon seemed like he could be the replacement for Anderson. He was performing well and it looked as if he would continue to improve. Condon didn’t seem like a flash in the pan like Hammond in 2015. However, General Manager Pierre Dorion has stated that extension talks haven’t gone very well. This could very well be the end of Condon with the Ottawa Senators and it would be an unfortunate loss.

A Hole in the Backup Position

If Condon leaves, the team will be hard pressed to find an affordable backup. Many of the younger options will be expensive free agent or trade targets. The older targets such as Brian Elliott or Ryan Miller likely won’t want to settle for a backup role. This could mean that Andrew Hammond could be brought back as the backup for next season. While he could be a competent option he hasn’t played particularly well since his magical run in 2015. It could also be time for one of the Sens goaltending prospects to make a jump to a backup position in the NHL.

Next: Ottawa Senators: A Not So Fairy Tale Ending

There’s still time for Condon to be re-signed in Ottawa, but time is running out. If Condon isn’t signed it could make for an interesting summer trying to find a goalie.

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