In a telling move, Ottawa brings in another body with Forsberg
The Ottawa Senators claimed Anton Forsberg off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets in an effort to add numbers to their depleted goaltending situation. Standing at 6’3″ and 192 pounds, the veteran goaltender likes using his frame to his advantage.
Forsberg 28, was a 7th round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2011 has carved out a small role in the NHL after his 6-years in North America. He has appeared in 48 games during that stretch, winning 12 games and putting up average numbers with a 0.901 save percentage and a 3.22 goals-against-average.
More of an AHL goalie during his career so far, appearing in 185 games, producing an outstanding 0.920 save percentage and 2.40 goals-against-average.
What this means for the goaltending situation
After Matt Murray injured himself prior to warmup on Sunday night plus the fact Marcus Hogberg has been vacant for the greater part of a month, this move seemed necessary. With recent news about Hogberg potentially nearing a return:
DJ Smith - asked about Marcus Hogberg.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) March 15, 2021
He is starting to do a lot better. We're expecting in the next little bit he'll be ready to go.
the worries start to concern Matt Murray and a perceived trip to the IR.
With Joey Daccord getting his 3rd consecutive start tonight he’\s all but the Senators starter at this point and time and finding his backup until Murray is back to 100% was an area of concern. But with the addition of Forsberg (following a mandatory seven-day quarantine), he likely takes the backup spot for the time being. Another bonus is that it allows goaltending prospects Filip Gustavsson and Kevin Mandolese to play games in the AHL without spending time stuck on the taxi-squad.
Despite all of that, Forsberg’s time on the Senators could be brief with the impending return of Marcus Hogberg who could quickly replace the recently acquired puck-stopper and Forsberg could make a return to the waiver wire.