NHL Trade: Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche Swap Goalies

The Ottawa Senators have made their second deal in as many days, sending goaltender Brian Elliott to the Colorado Avalanche in return for goaltender Craig Anderson.

This deal is rather confusing as the Sens are now rebuilding, having sent a young goaltender who has been rather good in times away, receiving a goaltender that is going to be an unrestricted free agent at year's end.

Both goalies have struggled this year; Elliott posting a 13-19-8 record with Anderson's record 13-15-3.

I guess with Robin Lehner being the Senators goaltender of the future, then that would make Elliott or Pascal Leclaire expendable. There is no guarantee that Anderson will re-sign with the Senators which would leave injury-plagued Leclaire behind Lehner.

In Colorado, Elliott will now presumably share duties with Peter Budaj for the rest of the season. Elliott is only a restricted free agent, so he will most likely stick around after this season.

Now, if I were Anderson, I do not like this trade. He is leaving a place where he was the unquestioned starting goalie and going to a place where he will most likely play half of the remaining games. That is why I believe Anderson will leave for greener pastures July 1st.

If the Sens do manage to re-sign Anderson, then this trade is a good one. However, if Anderson leaves and Elliott goes on to have a pretty good career in Denver, then the Avalanche will be just one of the teams laughing as the Sens continue to rebuild.