The Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Leevi Meriläinen to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday. The deal keeps the 22-year-old Finnish netminder with the organization through the 2026-27 season.
Meriläinen's Path to the NHL
Meriläinen, a third-round pick (71st overall) by the Senators in the 2020 NHL Draft, has been developing within the organization's system. He spent the majority of the 2025-26 season with the Belleville Senators, Ottawa's American Hockey League affiliate, where he posted a 2.89 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in 35 appearances. He also made his NHL debut during the 2024-25 season, appearing in two games for Ottawa.
Contract Details
Financial terms of the one-year extension were not disclosed by the team. The contract is a one-way deal, meaning Meriläinen will earn the same salary whether he plays in the NHL or AHL. According to sources familiar with the negotiation, the deal is valued at $775,000 at the NHL level.
Senators' Goaltending Depth
The signing adds depth to Ottawa's goaltending corps, which currently includes starter Linus Ullmark and backup Anton Forsberg. Meriläinen will likely compete for a backup role in training camp or serve as the top option in Belleville. General Manager Steve Staios expressed confidence in Meriläinen's development, stating, "Leevi has shown steady improvement and has the potential to be an NHL goaltender. This extension gives us continued stability in our goaltending pipeline."
Future Outlook
Meriläinen, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 190 pounds, is known for his athleticism and quick reflexes. He was a standout for Finland at the World Junior Championships, helping the team win a gold medal in 2022. With this extension, the Senators secure a promising young goaltender as they continue to build toward playoff contention.
