Heading into this off-season, there was a lot of talk about the possibility of an extension for Craig Anderson.
The veteran goalie is entering the final year of his deal with the Ottawa Senators and the thinking was the organization might like a little security at the position and they might try to tack on a year to his deal as soon as July 1st rolled around.
Yet now with August coming to a close and the new season rapidly approaching, there has been no recent rumours of an extension. Not that there’s any real rush to get something done but the talk leading up to the start of free agency made it seem like it a sure thing.
Anderson is entering the 3rd and final year of his contract with the Sens which will see him earn a bargain rate of $3.1 million. Looking at the money some other starters will be making this season and it’s clear the Senators are getting a deal this season. Andy earned $4.75 mil in each of the last two seasons.
Craig Anderson was his usual reliable self for the Senators last year.
Despite dealing some overwhelming challenges away from the rink, Anderson played some of his best hockey in an Ottawa uniform. His .926 save percentage through 40 games was his best since the 2012/2013 season and his 5 shutouts were a single-season high as a Senator.
While he’s often forgotten in the discussion about top goalies around the league, there’s no doubt that when Andy is at his best, he’s as good as anyone. His .926 sv% had him ranked third in the NHL and during the playoffs, there were times when he looked unbeatable.
And that’s why the Senators obviously feel pretty good about their goaltending heading into this season.
At 36 years of age, Anderson has shown no real signs of slowing down.
But should injuries strike, they know that Mike Condon can step in and give them quality starts. Andrew Hammond is still sort of lurking on the background but it’s no secret the Senators would like to move him if they could. In terms of prospects, Marcus Hogberg remains the most intriguing option but he’ll need some time to develop in Belleville.
So for one more year anyway, Ottawa’s goaltending situation is in good hands.
But with Anderson’s contract coming to an end and the talks of a possible extension gone cold for now, it will be interesting to see how the Senators handle their goaltending situation down the road.
