Condon in line for big money, but not the big job

For Mike Condon, it will ultimately come down to a test of patience. At some point before the summer, Senators GM Pierre Dorion is going to offer him the biggest contract of his career.

It will line his bank account with millions of dollars and provide him some stability, but with 35-year old Craig Anderson still around for at least one more season, there will be no real chance of being “the guy” in Ottawa.

“Obviously, I think all goalies should strive to be a No. 1 goalie,” said Condon, who will take an 18-11-6 record into his start Thursday at Canadian Tire Centre against Chicago. “There’s no point in setting your bar lower than it should be. I set my bar pretty high and hopefully, one day I can attain that level.”

The way the 26-year old has played this season, it could be worth his while to check out the market as an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Especially If he somehow winds up leading the Senators into the playoffs.

Working in Ottawa’s favour, however, is Condon’s fondness for this, his third organization in two years.

“I love it here,” he said. “The team is showing a lot of faith in me. Trading for me was huge. I’m just trying to make their investment

in me worthwhile. I love being here, love the coaches, love the players, everyone’s very transparent with their communication. It’s a hard-working team. “Yeah, I love it here.” Does he have the patience to wait for a No. 1 job?

“Yeah, I’ve got all the time in the world,” he said. “I don’t have anywhere to be. You’re playing in the NHL, you’re in the league, it’s always a gift, it’s always a blessing no matter what role you have.”

If next year is Anderson’s last in Ottawa, Condon could take over, or at least share the duties with 22-year-old Swede Marcus Hogberg or Chris Driedger.