NHL Rumors: Senators start extension talks with Mike Condon
The Ottawa Senators have begun discussing an extension with surprise hero Mike Condon.
Mike Condon’s past two NHL seasons have been a wild roller coaster ride. He began the 2015-16 season as the backup to Carey Price. An injury to the Vezina Trophy winner forced Condon into action. He wasn’t ready for a starting role, so the Montreal Canadiens added Al Montoya.
After being put on waivers, Matt Murray’s injury led the Pittsburgh Penguins to claim him. Following his return, the Ottawa Senators claimed him. Since then, he has basically saved their season after Craig Anderson left to be with his wife, who has cancer.
"[Condon] told Postmedia before he returned to the club’s net Thursday night against the Dallas Stars that despite being an unrestricted free agent on July 1 he’d be happy to stay with Ottawa.Though the Senators have had very preliminary contract discussions with his Buffalo-based agent Michael Wulkan, Condon isn’t going to spend any time worrying about what the future might hold."
The Senators likely won’t let him test the free agent market. Considering how weak the market is this season, they could easily lose Condon. Several teams will be looking for upgrades while others will be looking to spend money on a backup. Ottawa likes Condon a lot, so expect them to work something out.
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This season, he has a .913 save percentage, allowing just 2.53 goals against per game. In 29 starts and 32 appearances, Condon has a record of 16-9-5. He’s been on three teams since September, but he seems to have found a home in Ottawa. At the very least, Condon is a very capable backup to an aging Anderson. This marriage is one that should continue, as it benefits both sides.