
Ottawa Senators sign goalie Leevi Merilainen to one-year contract
OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators signed goalie Leevi Merilainen to a one-year, US$1.05-million contract extension Monday.
Merilainen, a Senators third-round draft pick in 2020, posted an 8-3-1 record with a 1.99 goals-against average, .925 save percentage and three shutouts in 12 regular-season NHL games last season.
The 22-year-old Finn spent the majority of his season with the American Hockey League’s Belleville Senators, recording an 18-12-4 record with a .913 save percentage.
His new contract is a one-way deal, signalling he should replace Anton Forsberg as Linus Ullmark’s backup in Ottawa.