In the 2022-23 season, Finnish goaltender Leevi Merilainen lost both his games that he started during the season. It wouldn't be until the 2024-25 season where Merilainen got NHL time again due to the Ottawa Senators having injuries with their goaltenders from December 2024-February 2025.
Merilainen would play in 12 NHL games with 11 of them being starts for the Senators in 2024-25. In 12 games, Merilainen was remarkable with recording an 11-3-1 record with a 1.99 goals and .925 save percentage. Merilainen was also solid in the AHL with the Belleville Senators.
Even though it was 12 NHL games, Merilainen's Winter surge helped the Senators clinch a 2025 playoff spot. Merilainen has solid potential and was a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season. Now, another Senators free agent is taken care of.
Merilainen signs one-year contract to remain in Ottawa
Merilainen is one of Ottawa's top prospects at 22 years old. Now, Merilainen will be back in Ottawa. Today, Merilainen signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract to remain a Senator. The contract will be a one-way contract.
Along with his 12 NHL games, Merilainen raised his game and confidence when he recorded an 18-12-4-4 record with a 2.37 goals against average and .913 save percentage in the 2024-25 season in the AHL with the Belleville Senators.
With his fast progress, it seems the Senators stole a hidden gem with drafting Merilainen 71st overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. Merilainen's 2024-25 surge was one of the best in recent Senators history.
With Merilainen signed, it could put Anton Forsberg's future in jeopardy. Forsberg is an unrestricted free agent at 32 years old. Although Forsberg is one of two UFA goaltenders this free agency who recorded a .900 save percentage in at least 10 games played, Forsberg had inconsistency issues.
However, the Senators have Merilainen under contract for the 2025-26 season. General manager Steve Staios re-signed another young player with talent and potential for another season.