In the 2024-25 season, the Ottawa Senators made a big jump by making the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Even with losing in six games to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, most people would look at the Senators season as a success.
Throughout this season, one Senator who had some inconsistency issues was goaltender Anton Forsberg. In a season of needing to earn trust back for being Linus Ullmark's backup, Forsberg did have some bright moments. Forsberg recorded a shutout in October and November before Ullmark recorded his first shutout as a Senator.
As the season concludes, the Senators will need to consider who to re-sign and not. Forsberg will be an unrestricted free agent at 32 years old. If the Senators want to bring back Forsberg, one contract might need to be in mind due to another rising goaltender and his inconsistency.
One-year contract might need to be option for Forsberg due to his inconsistency and Merilainen's rising play
If the Senators are going to re-sign Forsberg, a one-year contract might need to be the option. This season's play of Forsberg and the rise of Leevi Merilainen are the strong reasons.
Forsberg concluded the 2024-25 season with an 11-12-3 record with a 2.72 goals against average and .901 save percentage in 30 games played with 27 of them being starts. However, despite some hot stretches over the course of the season, inconsistency was seen with often Forsberg.
In 18 of his 27 starts, Forsberg allowed in at least three goals. In seven of those starts, Forsberg allowed in four goals or more. In Forsberg's last start on April 15 against the Chicago Blackhawks, Forsberg allowed in four goals on 16 shots on goal. Forsberg didn't see any action during the 2025 playoffs.
The rise of Merilainen this season put Forsberg's position on the Senators in jeopardy. Even with playing in 12 games with 11 of them being starts, Merilainen stood out in the NHL. Merilainen recorded an 8-3-1 record with an impressive 1.99 goals against average and .925 save percentage. For being 22 years old, Merilainen sure did impress the Senators for a short NHL stint.
While in the AHL with the Belleville Senators this season, Merilainen was strong throughout. Merilainen went 18-12-4-4 with a 2.37 goals against average and .913 save percentage in Belleville.
If Forsberg returns on a one-year contract, it can allow Merilainen to develop more in the AHL if the Senators don't think Merilainen is ready to be a full-time backup. It can also put more pressure on Forsberg to have one year to prove his worth.
If Forsberg struggles next season, being on an expiring contract could also make it easier for the Senators to trade him and have Merilainen as the backup for Ullmark if the Senators want to go that route.
Ottawa will have to consider bringing back Forsberg due to his inconsistency and the rise of Merilainen. Having a solid backup for Ullmark needs to be thought of with careful consideration.