Ottawa gets net insurance by acquiring Ben Bishop from St. Louis
When the St. Louis Blues re-signed goaltender Brian Elliott for two more years last month, it signaled the beginning of the end for Ben Bishop with the organization, and he knew it. With Elliott and Jaroslav Halak under contract for the next two seasons, the 25-year old Bishop went from future Blues netminder to trade chip, one that was cashed in today by GM Doug Armstrong.
As Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported on Sunday, the 6-foot-7 Bishop was dealt to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2013 second round pick. To make the deal feasible for Senators GM Bryan Murray, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports that it's expected Bishop will be signed to a 1-year, 1-way contract.
Bishop will have a familiar face in Ottawa as Senators goaltender coach Rick Wamsley worked with him while he was with the Blues organization.
Murray's hand was forced after his No. 1 starter, Craig Anderson, injured his hand cutting frozen chicken earlier this week. He could be back for the Senators sometime next week, but Bishop can provide insurance with Alex Auld and Robin Lehner also in the mix.
Anderson is signed for the next three seasons, so Bishop's presence will provide competition for Lehner heading into training camp next season for the backup job.
Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy
