Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
The Ottawa Senators have confirmed the Anton Forsberg injury is major. He suffered MCL tears in both knees during last night’s 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. It is likely Forsberg will miss the remainder of the season. It was a costly game for the Senators as they also report Jake Sanderson will miss 10-14 days with an upper-body injury suffered in the loss. Right now there is some uncertainty in the goaltending situation for the Senators. Moreover, their other main goalie, Cam Talbot, is also currently out with an injury. Depending on how long before Talbot returns, it might mean the Senators make a move for another goaltender.
Senators Goaltender Listed as Out
Forsberg was having a decent season in a primarily backup role to Cam Talbot. Last season saw Forsberg play well enough to earn himself a three-year, $8.25 million contract. Moreover, in 2021-22, as the team in front of him struggled, Forsberg put up decent numbers. He posted a 22-17-4 record with a 2.82 GAA and a Sv% of .917. In contrast, this year has seen his play slip somewhat.
When Talbot is healthy, Forsberg does not draw the tough assignments. Despite this, Forsberg only has an 11-10-2 record, with a less-than-desirable 3.13 GAA and a .905 Sv%. However, some of his underlying analytical results do tell another story and the fact that some of his struggles could be more team dependent. For instance, according to Moneypuck.com, Forsberg ranks 14th league-wide in goalies with at least 15 games played in goals saved above expected at 11.0.
What The Anton Forsberg injury Means for the Senators
The common theme for the season has been a roller-coaster ride, and that is no different for goaltenders. After the first month, which saw only Forsberg draw in as a result of Talbot being out with injury, Talbot has been primarily the starter. However, if Talbot has faltered or needed a break, Forsberg has stepped in, and done a great job for the most part.
At this point, it seems as though Talbot still needs some time to recover. Therefore, the organization is going to have to rely on its prospects. Cue their top goaltender prospect, 6’7” Mads Sogaard. The Danish goaltender has been applying his craft in the AHL for the Belleville Senators. He has struggled a bit this season between being banged up and sporting a .898 SV%. Conversely, with this in mind, this is opportunity knocking. If Sogaard can step in, and prove himself as a component NHL goalie for a stretch, all the rumours surrounding Talbot seem all the more reasonable. Whatever the outcome, this season might be Ottawa’s last chance where their fan base accepts a non-playoff outcome. For how long their rebuild has been a progression, 2023-24 will come with expectations of not only making the playoffs but succeeding.
