As the Ottawa Senators continue prioritizing their offseason plans. Finding a reliable backup goalie to sit behind starter Linus Ullmark remains a top priority. While the Senators are linked to goalies like Stuart Skinner and Connor Ingram. The most logical solution might be sitting right in the Boston Bruins' organization: Michael DiPietro.
The 27-year-old netminder is coming off an absolutely dominant, award-winning season in the American Hockey League. DiPietro posted a stellar 34-8-1 record with a league-leading 1.91 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage with the Providence Bruins. And now he looks ready for a full-time NHL opportunity.
DiPietro fit makes a ton of sense for the Senators
From Ottawa's perspective, targeting DiPietro makes a ton of sense for three major reasons.
First, his acquisition cost should be incredibly low. DiPietro has one year remaining on a contract that carries a dirt-cheap $812,500 cap hit. He also must clear waivers if Boston tries to send him back down to the minors during preseason. After the season he just put up, there is zero chance he slips through unclaimed, especially with the success of other goalies claimed on waivers like Brandon Bussi. Rather than losing him for nothing through waiver, Boston’s general manager Don Sweeney will likely look to move him for an asset this summer.
Second, the structural fit behind Ullmark is nearly perfect. The Senators don't need a high-priced veteran who is going to demand 35 starts. They need a hungry, reliable number-two guy who can confidently handle 25 to 30 games. DiPietro's cheap contract would also leave Staios with plenty of financial flexibility to address the top-six forward group and potentially even the blue line.
Finally, there is a great local connection. DiPietro is highly familiar with the city, having spent the back half of his last year in the OHL playing for the Ottawa 67's during their memorable 2019 playoff run.
He may not be the flashiest name on the market. But again, if you look at other inexperienced goalies that have had success, like the aforementioned Carolina Hurricanes’ goalie Bussi. The Senators would be wise to at least take the chance on him.
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