During the 2021-22 season, goaltender Anton Forsberg had a steady season on a bad Ottawa Senators team by recording a 22-17-4 record with a 2.82 goals against average and .917 save percentage.
Forsberg then had a three-year extension begin following the 2021-22 season. However, the first two seasons were struggles for Forsberg. In the first two seasons after the extension, Forsberg had a GAA of at least 3.20.
The 2024-25 season was better for Forsberg despite some struggles. Now, Forsberg is due for a new contract this Summer at 32 years old. Despite some inconsistencies in 2024-25, this one stat could still make Forsberg receive a solid contract from a team this free agency.
Forsberg is one of two goaltenders who had .900 SV% in 10+ games played in 2024-25 who is a UFA this Summer
Forsberg recorded an 11-12-3 record with a 2.72 goals against average and .901 save percentage in the 2024-25 season in 30 games played with 27 of them being starts for the Senators.
In a stat that might sound shocking to some, Forsberg and New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen are the only two goaltenders this Summer who are unrestricted free agents that recorded a save percentage of at least .900 and played in at least 10 games according to PuckPedia.
UFA goalies who played 10+ games and had a .900+ SV%:
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) June 19, 2025
Jake Allen
Anton Forsberg
Check it out on PuckPedia Player Dashboard:https://t.co/5tvT7xiA0c
The goaltending market isn't quite the best this Summer. However, teams will need a backup goaltender or a fringe starter, and Forsberg can be that for a team with a stat like that if the Senators choose not to sign him.
With the rise of Leevi Merilainen in his 12-game NHL stint and his play in the AHL with the Belleville Senators in the 2024-25 season at 22 years old, the Senators could have a plan to have Merilainen be Linus Ullmark's backup. Merilainen is due for a contract this Summer, but is a restricted free agent unlike Forsberg.
Forsberg's in Ottawa is uncertain. In 18 of his 27 starts in 2024-25, Forsberg allowed in three goals. In seven of his starts, Forsberg allowed in four goals or more.
Forsberg's last game of the 2024-25 season went rough when he allowed in four goals on 16 shots on goal in April 15's overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. After the loss, Forsberg broke his stick in frustration.
A new contract in Ottawa could be tricky for Forsberg with the Senators still having free agents to pay. For the past three seasons, Forsberg has had a salary of $2.75 million. With the inconsistency, Forsberg might not see that number again if offered a contract to remain in Ottawa.
However, sharing a solid stat with Allen can make both of them receive steady contracts from a team this Summer. Forsberg's 2024-25 season can help him have a case to earn a steady contract from a team.