Leevi Meriläinen Proving His Value Between the Senators' Pipes

When the Senators hit the ice this season, all eyes are on Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, and Jake Sanderson. They’re the marquee names, the ones who can tilt a game in a flash. But ask any old-school fan: it’s often the quieter guys, the ones flying just under the radar, who can change a team’s trajectory in unexpected ways.

One name that might surprise this season is Leevi Meriläinen. He won’t dominate the highlights, but he could quietly shape Ottawa’s fortunes.

Leevi Meriläinen: Calm Between the Senators’ Pipes

At 23, Meriläinen has already seen NHL action—12 games last season, 8–3–1 record, 1.99 GAA, .925 save percentage, and three shutouts. Ottawa rewarded that promise with a one-way contract for 2025–26. Meriläinen isn’t just a backup; he’s a goalie who can stabilize a team in net, giving Linus Ullmark a rest or filling in if injuries strike. In a position where uncertainty has haunted Ottawa, he’s a rare source of confidence and reliability.

Meriläinen has been finding his groove in Ottawa, and Thursday night’s 5–3 win over the Bruins was proof. The 23-year-old netminder got the start and turned in a solid performance, helping the Senators snap a streak of tough matchups. After a rocky first NHL outing this season—seven goals on 26 shots—Meriläinen has steadied himself, winning his last three starts. Facing a Bruins team that was riding a seven-game winning streak and averaging 3.39 goals per game, he held his team in the game with the kind of calm presence Ottawa will need if he’s going to be a reliable backup or eventually push for a bigger role.

Meriläinen Has Been on a Journey This Season

It’s been a bit of a journey for Meriläinen this season. Sent down briefly to get some work in the AHL, he came back with confidence and sharpness that the Senators clearly noticed. In his NHL appearances so far, he’s shown he can bounce back from setbacks and perform under pressure. For a young goalie in a challenging situation, that kind of resilience is gold. It gives Ottawa some breathing room if Ullmark needs a hand. Keep an eye on him; he’s carving a space for himself and proving he belongs in the crease when the moment demands it.

Why Depth Matters to the Senators

Meriläinen may not start the season in the spotlight, but they bring the kind of dependability every team needs. A strong bottom six and a solid backup goalie allow the stars to shine, while quietly keeping the engine running.

For Senators fans, he’s a player who can make a difference and push Ottawa closer to playoff contention and maybe even beyond.