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.