The Ottawa Senators have made strategic moves in NHL free agency by signing forwards Lars Eller and Nick Cousins to one-year contracts. Eller, a veteran center from Denmark, joins the Senators after a season with the Washington Capitals, where he recorded six goals and nine assists in 63 games. He brings a wealth of experience, having played for five different franchises. Meanwhile, Cousins re-joins the Senators after a solid season, contributing 15 points in 50 games. Previously, he was instrumental in the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup victory.

The Senators also made some decisions on player retention, notably not re-signing goalie Anton Forsberg and defenseman Dennis Gilbert. Forsberg has inked a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, while the Senators have secured young goalie Leevi Merilainen for the next season to back up Linus Ullmark.

The Ottawa Senators have secured their young goalie Leevi Merilainen with a one-year, $1.05 million contract extension. The 22-year-old, drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft, showcased impressive stats last season, achieving an 8-3-1 record, a 1.99 goals-against average, and a .925 save percentage across 12 regular-season games. His performance included three shutouts.

Having primarily played with the AHL's Belleville Senators, where Merilainen recorded an 18-12-4 record and a .913 save percentage, the extension signals his anticipated role as the primary backup to Linus Ullmark, especially as Anton Forsberg is set to become a free agent. The Senators also extended qualifying offers to several other players, securing their future roster.

With the offseason approaching, the Ottawa Senators are navigating crucial contract negotiations, particularly concerning the future of Claude Giroux and Anton Forsberg, who are both poised to enter unrestricted free agency. General Manager Steve Staios remains optimistic about retaining Giroux, emphasizing the team's affection for the veteran. The discussions are still in early stages, with Staios noting the emotional aftermath of the recent season.

Regarding Forsberg, a pivotal figure in the Senators' goaltending lineup, Staios highlighted the potential of young goaltender Leevi Merilainen, indicating he might step into a backup role next season. Still, Forsberg's contributions and work ethic remain significant factors in their decision-making process. Ottawa's management is taking a calculated approach to assess the lineup and strategize for improvements.

The Ottawa Senators face the Nashville Predators in a lone NHL matchup on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET in Nashville. The Senators enter the game on a high, having won four consecutive games, including a dominant 6-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Rookie goaltender Leevi Merilainen, who notched his third shutout, has been sent to the AHL, paving the way for Linus Ullmark's return from injury. Meanwhile, the Predators are struggling, having lost their last four games and scoring just three goals across their last three contests.

Despite concerns over team chemistry with Ullmark's return, the Senators' recent form looks promising against a struggling Predators lineup. Previous meetings have favored Ottawa, who won 3-1 in December, with Ullmark performing admirably. The expectation for this game includes a low total, as both teams have trended towards unders in recent outings. Player props suggest backing Jake Sanderson, who has been on fire lately.