The Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Leevi Meriläinen to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Thursday. The deal will keep the 22-year-old Finnish netminder with the organization through the 2026-27 season.
Meriläinen's Path to the NHL
Meriläinen was selected by the Senators in the third round, 71st overall, of the 2020 NHL Draft. He has spent the majority of the past two seasons with the Belleville Senators, Ottawa's American Hockey League affiliate. In 2024-25, he posted a 2.92 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage in 38 AHL appearances.
He made his NHL debut during the 2024-25 season, appearing in four games with Ottawa. He recorded his first NHL win on March 15, 2025, stopping 28 shots in a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
Contract Details
Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed by the team. According to sources, the deal is a one-way contract worth $825,000 at the NHL level. The one-year term gives Meriläinen an opportunity to compete for a full-time roster spot in training camp.
"Leevi has worked hard to develop his game and earned this opportunity," said Senators general manager Steve Staios. "He has shown promise in the AHL and in his brief NHL action, and we believe he has the potential to be a reliable goaltender for us."
Senators Goaltending Picture
The Senators currently have veteran goaltender Linus Ullmark under contract for two more seasons, with a $4.5 million cap hit. Anton Forsberg is also signed for 2026-27 at $2.75 million. Meriläinen will likely compete with prospect Mads Søgaard for the backup role or serve as the primary starter in Belleville.
Ottawa's goaltending depth has been a focus for the front office, as the team looks to build on a playoff push in 2025-26. The Senators finished seventh in the Atlantic Division last season, missing the postseason by 12 points.
