Sterling Predictions: The goaltending "situation"

Welcome back to the 2013 Silver Seven Ottawa Senators Prediction Panel. Over the course of the week leading up to the season opener, the staff on the blog will be taking a look at some of the biggest questions facing the Sens heading into this season.

This one has been talked to death while we've waited to see it resolved. The play of the Binghamton Senators goalies has left many feeling that the organization may have three NHL-ready netminders on its rosters, and that it's a luxury of depth general manager Bryan Murray will look to exploit. But now it's time to put our money where our mouths are: Will we see a goalie traded before the deadline? (Cop out penalty/bonus: If you say Bishop will be traded, you must also name a destination.)

Adnan:

No goaltender will be traded before this year's deadline.

Mark:

I think so. Murray twice showed a willingness to address a need via trade last year, and I think there will be a need exposed on defense this year. Ben Bishop will be traded to the Minnesota Wild, whose cap situation puts them in the market for a more reasonably-priced goalie staring next year. Bishop meets that need, and Minnesota has some intriguing prospects to ask for in return.

Varada:

I'm genuinely shocked to see so many people predicting that Anderson will be traded. Not because he's so vital to the team, but because I don't know many teams that would take on two more years of an escalating salary in declining years for a goalie who's never been to the second round of the playoffs. I like Andy, but that contract isn't too attractive.

As for Bishop, he's such a great prospect. I don't think he gets traded unless it's in a package for a good player, as happened with Rundblad. And that will depend on whether Ottawa is in a playoff position, the injuries they encounter, and who drops out of contention early. Impossible to call.

Peter:

Yes, I think we'll see Ben Bishop traded before the deadline. I'll state three teams I think could be possible destinations, from most likely to least likely: The Philadelphia Flyers, the Phoenix Coyotes, and the San Jose Sharks.

Bobby:

Yup. One or both of Martin Brodeur and Johan Hedberg yank their groin and Ottawa gets back more than they paid for Bishop, in a deal that does not involve Bobby Butler coming back to the Sens. Good thing I never caved into the "Bobby" connection to buy that jersey.

Ryan:

No we won't, for one simple reason: the only option left in Binghamton is Nathan Lawson, and Tim Murray isn't that cruel.

Amelia:

Yes, we will see a goalie traded before the deadline. If Ben Bishop has not signed a new contract by then, he'll be dealt to Tampa.

Darren:

Yes, we will see Ben Bishop go elsewhere. If I had to guess, I'd say he will be traded to Edmonton.

Dave:

Well, we should, its just good asset management. The easy answer is Ben Bishop, maybe to Edmonton. If the Sens can really get a big name, young-ish player, maybe we see Lehner moved, but Bishop is the easy answer here.

And so, no one on the staff is willing to name anyone besides Bishop, if they named anyone at all. Do you think we'll see the goaltending situation addressed this season?

Will we see a goalie traded before this season's deadline?