Everything seemed to be going right for the Ottawa Senators in December with how hot Linus Ullmark was and the team. Then, Ullmark got hurt in the final game before the Christmas break on Dec. 22. Ullmark's backup Anton Forsberg also suffered an injury on Dec. 14.
When Forsberg got hurt, Leevi Merilainen got called up and played in the NHL for the first time since April 2023. When Ullmark got hurt, goaltending concerns raised heavily. Mads Sogaard got called up and started one game in the NHL with Merilainen backing him up, but Sogaard showed he wasn't NHL ready still when he earned the loss against the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 28.
Forsberg played his first start last night after his injury against the St. Louis Blues. It didn't go well when he allowed in four goals. The concern around Forsberg is back yet again. With Merilainen inexperienced at 22 years old and Forsberg struggling as a veteran backup at 32 years old, the idea of trading for a better backup goaltender for the Senators might need to be an option. There's one goaltender on the Chicago Blackhawks who might be an option.
Blackhawks' Petr Mrazek could be potential target for Senators
At 32-years-old, the Blackhawks' Petr Mrazek could be a trade target for the Senators. Due to Forsberg being on an expiring contract at $2.75 million and Merilainen not having much NHL experience, it helps Mrazek be a trade target.
In 23 starts this season, Mrazek is 7-14-1 with a 3.23 goals against average and .893 save percentage. Although at first glance the stats might not be the greatest, Mrazek is playing on the Blackhawks, who are currently the worst team in the NHL this season at 13-24-2.
The Blackhawks' future in goal might not be depended on Mrazek much longer. At 25 years old, Arvid Soderblom has played in 17 games with starting 15 of them this season and has recorded a 2.73 goals against average and .910 save percentage. With Sodorblom's season, the Blackhawks could envision him being the goaltender of the future, and that causes Mrazek to be a trade target.
Mrazek does have a $4.25 million cap hit until 2026. However, Mrazek has shown throughout his career that he can be a good quality backup to a team. With Mrazek only having one year left on his contract after this season, it can draw interest from teams.
With how Forsberg's season has gone, he's shown he might not be the answer to be the backup to Ullmark. Merilainen has only played five games this season. Good goaltending is needed for a team that wants to go deep into the playoffs. Mrazek could be a quality backup for Ullmark with his experience.
Mrazek also has playoff experience as a member of the Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes. In 29 playoff games with 28 of them started, Mrazek has recorded a 12-15 playoff record with a 2.43 goals against average and a .911 save percentage.
The Senators will continue to be in a tough position with Forsberg and Merilainen because of Ullmark out. If the Senators don't trust both of their current goaltenders they're currently playing, Mrazek does make himself a solid trade target. A fresh start out of Chicago could also be needed for Mrazek.