The Ottawa Senators Big RFA Goalie Re-Signs

RFA Goalie Leevi Merilainen Signs Contract Extension With Senators

This is a big signing for the Senators. Merilainen is a goaltender that many have heralded as the goaltender of the future in the Canadian National Capital. Moreover, when you look at his numbers from his small NHL sample thus far, you’d be inclined to agree.

Merilainen was originally selected by the Sens in third round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. That, for Senator fans, is the memorable draft that brought them Tim Stutzle, Ridly Greig, Jake Sanderson, and a couple others as well. Now, it is Merilainen’s opportunity to succeed at the NHL level.

What’s Happening Between the Sens Pipes

As Leevi Merilainen signs, the Sens net has been a bit of a turn-style for a number of years now. However, with Anton Forsberg still a free agent, it seems that general manager Steve Staios is opting for youth. Along with Merilainen, Mads Sogaard is under an NHL contract for 2025-26, at $775K. Therefore, there is support there for the backup role. Of course, behind the starter, the one-time Vezina Trophy-winning, Linus Ullmark.

Statistically, Merilainen has been very strong for Ottawa. In 14 career NHL games, he boosts a .919 save percentage. Furthermore, this past season with Belleville, in 37 games, he held a .913 SV%. It seems he is ready for the responsibility of being either an NHL backup or third stringer. Here’s his shot.