The Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Samuel Ersson to a two-year contract worth $2.2 million US per season, the team announced Wednesday as free agency opened. The 26-year-old netminder will serve as the primary backup to starter Linus Ullmark, filling a void that plagued the Senators last season.
Acquisition and contract details
Ersson was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs on June 26, 2026, in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. The Senators did not issue a qualifying offer to Ersson by Monday's deadline because he had arbitration rights, which could have led to unrestricted free agency. Instead, the team negotiated directly with agent Lewis Gross to finalize the deal.
Last season, Ersson posted a 14-11-5 record with the Philadelphia Flyers, a 3.12 goals-against average, and an .860 save percentage. His previous cap hit was $1.45 million US. Over his NHL career, Ersson holds a 65-50-17 record with a 3.01 GAA and .884 save percentage. He was selected 143rd overall by the Flyers in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Senators' goaltending stability
The Senators used five goaltenders last season, largely due to Ullmark's leave of absence. Veteran James Reimer arrived in mid-January as an unrestricted free agent and stabilized the position, but the 38-year-old has not yet decided whether to continue playing. General Manager Steve Staios acknowledged at his end-of-season availability that he failed to properly address the backup role behind Ullmark.
Leevi Merilainen, 23, was thrust into the No. 1 role in late December but struggled under pressure. The Senators made Merilainen a qualifying offer of $1.05 million to retain his rights, but the signing of Ersson may raise questions about his future with the club. Staios said the organization believes in Merilainen's potential but wanted a veteran option to allow him more development time.
Ersson's fit and upside
Staios expressed confidence in Ersson's abilities, noting that the team identified him as a very good goaltender to bring into their system. "They've identified Ersson as a very good goaltender to bring into our system, and because of that, I wouldn't acquire his rights, and we'll work to negotiate a contract," Staios said on Saturday. He added that Ersson's technical skills and movements are attributes the Senators are excited about, and that Ersson has represented Sweden at the 4 Nations Faceoff.
Ullmark has never played more than 50 games in a single season, and the regular-season schedule will expand to 84 games in 2026-27. This means the backup will be expected to play over 30 games, making Ersson's NHL experience crucial. Despite his struggles in Philadelphia, the Senators believe a fresh start will benefit him.
Ersson was a teammate of Ullmark's on Team Sweden during the 4 Nations Faceoff in Montreal in February 2025, which could help with chemistry. The Senators are counting on Ersson to provide reliable support and reduce the burden on Ullmark.
