Linus Ullmark replacements: Top 3 goalies Senators should consider ahead of trade deadline

The Ottawa Senators have not made the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 2016-17 season. They own the third-longest active playoff drought in the NHL at seven seasons, behind only the Detroit Red Wings (eight) and Buffalo Sabres (13). Senators fans are desperate to see their young core break through and bring playoff hockey back to Ottawa.

The Sens currently sit one point out of the final wildcard slot in the Eastern Conference, sporting a 19-17-3 record with 41 points.

The playoff race is extremely tight in the Wast, with seven teams separated by four points all battling for one spot. It will be no easy task for the Senators to break their playoff drought. It will be even more difficult to do so without No. 1 goaltender Linus Ullmark.

The 31-year-old Swede is dealing with a back injury that head coach Travis Green announced will sideline him on a week-to-week basis. He was designated for the injured reserve list on Tuesday and there's concern that the ailment could be longer-term.

The 2022-23 Vezina trophy winner was acquired by the Senators in an offseason trade with the Boston Bruins and quickly thereafter signed to a four-year, $33,000,000 extension.

Ullmark has been exactly what the Sens needed in between the pipes. To begin Year 1 in Ottawa, he had a 12-7-2 record, with a 2.38 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage and three shutouts. The timing of his injury is not ideal and leaves the team with Anton Forsberg and Leevi Merilainen to share the crease.

With Ullmark out of action for the foreseeable future, speculation has arisen suggesting the Senators could be shopping for a goaltender on the trade market.

General manager Steve Staios will have to maneuver his way around the financials of acquiring a netminder as his team is tight to the salary cap. Let's look into the top three goalies the Ottawa Senators should consider trading for ahead of the 2025 NHL trade deadline.

Top 3 Linus Ullmark replacements for the Ottawa Senators

#1. Petr Mrazek

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek could be a good option for the Senators. The 32-year-old is in the first season of a two-year, $8.5 million contract, which is affordable for the Sens should they include Anton Forsberg in any deal. Mrazek has a 7-14-1 record with a 3.23 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage.

While his numbers aren't great, a lot of that has to do with the fact that he plays on the worst team in the NHL. The Czech netminder has plenty of experience and with Chicago at the bottom of the standings, they would likely be open to trading. He would be a solid stop-gap replacement while Ullmark is out, and a very good backup once he returns.

#2. Dan Vladar

The 27-year-old is in the final season of a two-year, $4.4 million contract with the Calgary Flames. With the emergence of rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf, Vladar has become expendable for the Flames, especially as a pending UFA.

The Czech native has a 6-8-5 record this season, with a 3.08 goals-against average, a .888 save percentage, and two shutouts. The affordable $2.2 million average annual value on an expiring contract makes Vladar a strong target for the Senators. He could split time with Anton Forsberg as Ullmark recovers from his back injury.

#3. Alex Lyon

Another netminder Ottawa should target is Alex Lyon. The 32-year-old is in the final season of a two-year, $1.8 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit has veteran Cam Talbot and youngster Sebastian Cossa currently in the AHL pushing for a call-up to the big leagues. This makes pending UFA in Alex Lyon expendable.

In 14 starts this season, he has a. 8-5-0 record with a 2.71 goals against average, a .902 save percentage and one shutout. His $900 thousand average annual value would be no problem for the Senators to take on in a trade. He would provide the Sens much-needed depth in net while being able to keep Anton Forsberg.