The Ottawa Senators have multiple roster needs that they must address this summer. One of them is finding an upgrade for their backup goaltending spot, as their options this season were simply not good enough.
Leevi Merilainen struggled this season as the Senators' backup, posting an 8-10-1 record, an .860 save percentage, and a 3.51 goals-against average in 20 games. His poor play led to him finishing the season in the AHL with the Belleville Senators. James Reimer, on the other hand, had an .886 save percentage in 14 appearances for Ottawa.
With the Senators' backup goalies struggling this season, it would not be surprising if they added another netminder this offseason. When looking at trade candidates around the league, Detroit Red Wings prospect Sebastian Cossa stands out in a major way.
With the Red Wings having goalie prospects like Trey Augustine and Michal Postava in their system, Cossa's name has been floating around the rumour mill often this summer. When noting that Cossa is a former first-round pick with a ton of potential, the Senators would be incredibly wise to target him.
If the Senators acquired Cossa from the Red Wings, he would give them an exciting new goalie to work with as their backup. However, if he broke out after being traded to the Senators, he could even form a strong 1A-1B tandem with Ottawa goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Cossa has shown promise at the AHL level, too. In 39 games this season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, he had a 26-8-4 record, a .915 save percentage, and a 2.33 goals-against average. This is after he had a 21-15-5 record, a .911 save percentage, and a 2.45 goals-against average in 41 games for the Griffins in 2024-25.
Senators will have a lot of competition to land Cossa
While Cossa stands out as a fascinating potential trade target for the Senators, there is no question that they would have a lot of competition if they pursued him. With Cossa having the potential to become an impactful starting goalie and being only 23 years old, he should generate plenty of interest around the league.
Two other teams that have been connected to Cossa so far this offseason are the Edmonton Oilers and Utah Mammoth. Yet, it would not be shocking if more teams kicked tires on him as the summer carries on. While this is the case, the Senators should still enter the sweepstakes for him. He would have the potential to provide them with a long-term answer between the pipes if he broke out in Ottawa.
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