G Leevi Meriläinen - Kärpät U20, U20 SM-sarja (2020, 71st, OTT)

[Dionysus]

Has been a revelation in his current NHL stint. Exceptionally calm. Reads the play well, and has great controlled athleticism.

 

[Ryan Van Horne]

I'm wondering how Merilainen's play in the NHL this season changes the Senators outlook on goaltending.

While he has put up great numbers in his NHL stint, his AHL numbers over two seasons are average and he hasn't played a lot with Belleville. (41 games over parts of three seasons).

They just sent him back to Belleville, where hopefully he'll be the No. 1 guy and lead the team on a playoff run. As of now, Belleville is five points out of a playoff spot, but has give games in hand over Syracuse.



As for next season, Anton Forsberg will be a UFA, so I doubt he's back next year. Do they get a vet who can be a backup and challenge Merilainen next year?

Merilainen will be 23 next year and despite limited AHL time, I think he'll be ready for full-time NHL duty. He showed well during his only full season in the Liiga.

Finally, with Ullmark signed to a four-year, $33 million contract extension that kicks in next season, what does that mean for Merilainen long-term? It's a long time for him to wait for a No. 1 job? Have to think that as lon gas Ullmark is healthy, he's the No. 1 guy in Ottawa.

 

[LeProspector]

I'm wondering how Merilainen's play in the NHL this season changes the Senators outlook on goaltending.

While he has put up great numbers in his NHL stint, his AHL numbers over two seasons are average and he hasn't played a lot with Belleville. (41 games over parts of three seasons).

They just sent him back to Belleville, where hopefully he'll be the No. 1 guy and lead the team on a playoff run. As of now, Belleville is five points out of a playoff spot, but has give games in hand over Syracuse.



As for next season, Anton Forsberg will be a UFA, so I doubt he's back next year. Do they get a vet who can be a backup and challenge Merilainen next year?

Merilainen will be 23 next year and despite limited AHL time, I think he'll be ready for full-time NHL duty. He showed well during his only full season in the Liiga.

Finally, with Ullmark signed to a four-year, $33 million contract extension that kicks in next season, what does that mean for Merilainen long-term? It's a long time for him to wait for a No. 1 job? Have to think that as lon gas Ullmark is healthy, he's the No. 1 guy in Ottawa.

No shot, I won’t be surprised if they try to move out Forsberg this year, he’s clearly better and is the answer for the backup role moving forward.