One thing will be a staple moving forward for the Ottawa Senators: Linus Ullmark will be the number one goaltender on the depth chart for years to come. Ullmark is under contract until 2029 at $8.25 million per year. But, needing a quality backup for is just as important for the Senators.
Anton Forsberg had inconsistency issues throughout the 2024-25 season, but did have some hot stretches. However, Leevi Merilainen's rise in just 12 NHL games played was a hot topic for the Senators. Merilainen's Winter surge helped the Senators make the 2025 playoffs.
The backup goaltending market isn't the best this Summer. Jake Allen of the New Jersey Devils could possibly be the top backup for teams to draw interest. However, there's one backup goaltender in the Western Conference that could draw interest, but it might not be worth it due to Merilainen.
Flames' Vladar could be solid backup choice, but it might not be worth it for Sens
Yesterday, Bryan Logan of ClutchPoints wrote an article about how Calgary Flames goaltender Dan Vladar could solve the Senators' backup goaltending situation and be a "dream target" for this free agency. There might be reason for the Senators to look at Vladar, but it might not be worth signing the 27-year-old.
In 30 games played with 29 of them being starts in the 2024-25 season, Vladar recorded a 12-11-6 record with a 2.80 goals against average and .898 save percentage.
While Vladar was solid for the Flames with helping them chase a spot in the 2025 playoffs despite not making it, Forsberg did have a better GAA and save percentage than Vladar. Forsberg also had only one less win and recorded one more shutout than Vladar did.
Forsberg's future in Ottawa can be in question with having inconsistency issues throughout the 2024-25 season. In 18 of his 27 starts, Forsberg allowed in three goals, and seven of those starts Forsberg allowed in four goals or more.
Forsberg can have trouble with the market along with Vladar this free agency with how much can a backup goaltender get. Forsberg had a $2.75 million cap hit for the past three seasons. Vladar had a $2.2 million cap hit over the past two seasons. With a career year in Calgary in 2024-25, Vladar could expect a higher salary per year for his next contract.
Merilainen will be a restricted free agent this Summer at 22 years old. With a solid 12 games in the NHL and a solid season in the AHL with the Belleville Senators throughout the 2024-25 season, Merilainen being Ullmark's backup might be the better option over both Forsberg and Vladar.
With being young and still due to reach his potential, Merilainen and the Senators could link a fair but cheap contract while Vladar and Forsberg can ask for more money than Merilainen from the Senators.
Vladar will be a goaltender that teams can have interest in this Summer. However, the Senators might not need to consider signing Vladar and keep Merilainen in mind to be Ullmark's backup instead.