NHL Trade Rumors: Senators Reportedly Acquire Blues Goalie Ben Bishop

The Ottawa Senators are reportedly close to acquiring St. Louis Blues goaltender Ben Bishop, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.

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League sources say Senators closing in on deal for Ben Bishop from STL Blues. Could be done today. #Sens #SNTrade

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) February 26, 2012"

UPDATE: Sunday, Feb. 26 at 11:50 a.m. ET

According to the Ottawa Sun, Bishop has been traded to the Senators from the Blues for a draft pick.

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Senators gave up a draft pick for Ben Bishop. #Sens #NHL

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) February 26, 2012"

According to TSN, the Blues have acquired a 2013 second round pick for Bishop.

This is a great move for the Senators, who were able to acquire a talented young goaltender without giving up an NHL player or a top-tier prospect. It will be interesting to see if they re-sign Bishop in the summer when he could become an unrestricted free agent.

With starting goaltender Craig Anderson out for an unspecified time after undergoing surgery on his right hand last week, the Senators found themselves in a situation where trading for another talented goalie for the playoffs became a priority.

Backup netminder Alex Auld has not played well this season, and he gave up four goals in a loss to the Northeast division rival Boston Bruins on Saturday night.

Bishop, 25, is arguably the best goaltender in the AHL and is fourth in GAA and first in save percentage. With Bishop eligible to become an unrestricted this summer, the Blues would be smart to trade him because there isn't a spot for him on the NHL roster in the immediate future.

The strong play of Jaroslav Halak and the emergence of veteran Brian Elliott has made it very tough for Bishop to crack the Blues lineup this season. Since there isn't a good chance he re-signs with the team in the offseason, St. Louis might as well get some value in return for him before he's lost for nothing.

It will be interesting to find out exactly what the Senators are offering the Blues for Bishop, because with several playoff-contending teams in need of serious goalie help—like the Toronto Maple Leafs—St. Louis could get a very nice package of players and/or draft picks in exchange for Bishop.

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#SNtrade talk. Bishop regarded by many as best #AHL goalie. Wonder how many #NHL teams made play for #Blues UFA prospect besides #Sens?

— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) February 26, 2012"

If the Senators can acquire Bishop without overpaying, it will be a tremendous addition to the team and may help them secure a playoff berth over the next few weeks.

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Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.