Prior to the 2024-25 season, the Ottawa Senators needed to solve their issue of trying to find a new number goaltender. Inconsistent goaltending has arguably the biggest reason the team has missed the playoffs since 2017.
The Senators were done playing around to find a goaltender when they made a trade with the Boston Bruins to acquire 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark. Just one day before the Senators start their 2024-25 season, the Senators have given Ullmark a four-year, $33 million extension ($8.25 AAV).
ULL IN!
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 9, 2024
The #Sens have signed @Icebeardude to a four-year extension! pic.twitter.com/fo06D9JP8M
Senator fans and the organization can now have a sigh of relief that they have a goaltender that can help them win games. Ullmark now signing an extension has given Ottawa new hope and excitement.
3 reasons the Senators extending Ullmark is a win for both sides
Extending Ullmark just one day before the season opener sends a message to rest of the NHL that the Senators are to be taken serious, and the Senators deserve to be taken serious now.
The wait to extend Ullmark came at the right time, and the excitement for the 2024-25 season has now skyrocketed.
3. Extension came at right time after the Bruins' season opener disaster
Due to Jeremy Swayman's contract situation before the Bruins' season opener, the Bruins announced they would start Joonas Korpisalo in goal for the season opener against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Even though Swayman did sign an extension before the season started, the Bruins still rolled with Korpisalo.
Korpisalo was the goaltender the Senators traded along with a 2024 first-round pick and Mark Kastelic to receive Ullmark. The first game for the Bruins was a disaster last night.
Korpisalo allowed in six goals in the Bruins' season opener. Four of Korpisalo's six goals allowed came in the first period. With Korpisalo struggling again to start the season, the trade looks better for the Senators and worse for the Bruins.
The first game struggles of Korpisalo showed that he was a big problem to the Senators' inconsistency. Now, the Senators don't have to be concerned with Korpisalo anymore, and get excited to see Ullmark start.