The Ottawa Senators have re-signed goaltender Leevi Merilainen to a one-year contract worth $1.1 million, the team announced Thursday. The move comes one day after the Senators signed veteran Samuel Ersson to serve as the backup to starter Linus Ullmark next season.
Merilainen's qualifying offer and team's intent
Merilainen, 23, received a qualifying offer of $1.05 million at Monday's deadline. Steve Staios, the club's president of hockey operations and general manager, stated after free agency opened on Wednesday that the team wanted to retain Merilainen. "You need three good goaltenders, and Leevi's a part of this moving forward," Staios said.
Performance last season
Merilainen split last season between Ottawa and the club's American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville. He was thrust into an unenviable position in late December when Ullmark took a leave of absence for mental health reasons and was out for 35 days. Thrown into the No. 1 spot, Merilainen struggled. He went 8-10-1 in 20 NHL appearances with an .860 save percentage and a 3.51 goals-against average. In Belleville, he posted an 8-8-1 record with a .907 save percentage and 2.77 GAA.
Potential and waiver situation
Merilainen still has significant potential, and he finished the season strong in Belleville. He was on a one-way deal last season and will have to clear waivers to be sent to the minors, but his salary may deter other teams from claiming him.
