Leevi Meriläinen - Page 6 - NHL News & Rumors

Tending twine Tuesday Merilainen will defend the road cage versus the Leafs in Tuesday's preseason matchup, TSN 1200 Ottawa reports.

Impact Merilainen is expected to face a fairly heavy NHL lineup from Toronto on Tuesday. While Linus Ullmark is cemented as the No. 1 in Ottawa this year, the 23-year-old Merilainen should be able to secure the backup job and play in upward of 30 regular-season games this year. In his 12 outings last season, the Finn posted an impressive 8-3-1 record to go with a 1.99 GAA and three shutouts.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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.

JUNE 30, 2025 • THESTAR.COM

Inks one-year contract Merilainen signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract with Ottawa on Monday.

Impact Merilainen posted a record of 8-3-1 with three shutouts, a 1.99 GAA and a .925 save percentage in 12 regular-season appearances with Ottawa in 2024-25. With Anton Forsberg poised to test the open market as an unrestricted free agent, Merilainen could begin the 2025-26 campaign as Linus Ullmark's backup.

JUNE 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Summoned from minors Merilainen was recalled from AHL Belleville on Saturday, per the AHL media site.

Impact Merilainen will serve as the Senators' third goaltender in the playoffs, behind Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg. Merilainen was outstanding when called upon by Ottawa, going 8-3-1 with three shutouts, a 1.99 GAA and a .925 save percentage across 12 NHL starts this season.

APRIL 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to minors Merilainen was reassigned to AHL Belleville on Wednesday.

Impact Merilainen, who was recalled Tuesday, didn't end up playing in Ottawa's 5-2 victory over Philadelphia. Anton Forsberg got the nod, stopping 20 of 22 shots, but Merilainen did dress as the backup instead of Linus Ullmark. The 31-year-old Ullmark made 48 saves in a victory over Detroit on Monday, so presumably, Ottawa wanted to give him a breather, which seems to be why Merilainen was briefly on the NHL roster.

MARCH 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Brought up from minors Merilainen was Steve Lloyd of TSN 1200 Ottawa from AHL Belleville on Tuesday.

Impact Prior to being recalled, Merilainen had been in the minors since Feb. 2. The Finnish netminder has been efficient over 12 appearances with the Sens this season, recording an 8-3-1 record, .925 save percentage and 1.99 GAA. Anton Forsberg will start Tuesday against the Flyers, though his 8-10-1 record, .895 save percentage and 2.82 GAA could open the door for Merilainen to earn a role in the crease behind Linus Ullmark going forward.

MARCH 11, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Enters concussion protocol Merilainen was placed in the AHL's concussion protocol Monday, Steve Lloyd of TSN 1200 Ottawa reports.

Impact Merilainen reportedly told head coach David Bell that he was fine, so it's unclear if he will be an option to face AHL Manitoba on Wednesday. While the netminder's injury won't immediately impact the Senators, it could be an issue if Linus Ullmark or Anton Forsberg gets hurt in the short term.

FEBRUARY 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Heads to AHL Merilainen was reassigned to AHL Belleville on Sunday.

Impact Merilainen has been outstanding for Ottawa, posting an 8-3-1 record, 1.99 GAA and .925 save percentage across 12 outings this season. He earned a 16-save shutout victory over Minnesota on Saturday. However, Linus Ullmark (back) is off injured reserve, so Merilainen was sent to the minors to make room. Anton Forsberg is set to serve as Ullmark's understudy.

FEBRUARY 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Easy work for third shutout Merilainen posted a 16-save shutout in Saturday's 6-0 win over the Wild.

Impact The Senators kept traffic away from Merilianen, outshooting the Wild 52-16 in the contest. This was Merilainen's third career shutout, all of which have come this season. The 22-year-old has won six of his last eight outings, and he's allowed more than two goals in just one of those contests. Overall, the Finn is 8-3-1 with a 1.99 GAA and a .925 save percentage over 12 games. Linus Ullmark (back) is close to a return, but Merilainen has outplayed Anton Forsberg -- it's unclear who the Senators will tab to take on the backup role once Ullmark is healthy.

FEBRUARY 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Jake Sanderson, Leevi Merilainen fuel Senators in rout of Wild Defenseman Jake Sanderson collected a goal and three assists and rookie Leevi Merilainen faced just 16 shots for this third shutout this sea...

FEBRUARY 2, 2025 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Merilainen gets 3rd shutout of season as Senators beat Wild 6-0

Leevi Merilainen stopped 16 shots for his third shutout of the season as the Ottawa Senators beat the Minnesota Wild 6-0

FEBRUARY 2, 2025 • Associated Press

Facing Wild Merilainen will patrol the home crease versus Minnesota on Saturday, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports.

Impact Merilainen was outstanding Sunday, stopping 34 of 35 shots in a 3-1 win over Utah. The victory gave Merilainen a 7-3-1 record to go with a 2.19 GAA and a .921 save percentage. The Wild are averaging 2.94 goals per game, 16th in the NHL.

FEBRUARY 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Strong display in win Merilainen stopped 34 of 35 shots in Sunday's 3-1 win over Utah.

Impact Merilainen allowed a second-period goal to Clayton Keller, one of the hottest players in the NHL over the last two weeks, but he was excellent the rest of the way. The 22-year-old has won five of his last seven starts, going 5-1-1 with a 1.69 GAA and a .940 save percentage over that span. He's expected to remain the top option between the pipes for Ottawa as long as Linus Ullmark (back) remains out.

JANUARY 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

In goal Sunday Merilainen will protect the home net against Utah on Sunday, TSN 1200 Ottawa reports.

Impact Merilainen will get the second half of Ottawa's back-to-back after Anton Forsberg played in Saturday's 2-1 win over Toronto. The 22-year-old Merilainen has a 6-3-1 record with two shutouts, a 2.32 GAA and a .914 save percentage through 10 NHL appearances this season. Utah sits 21st in the league with 2.88 goals per game in 2024-25.

JANUARY 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Gets pulled Tuesday Merilainen stopped 14 of 16 shots before being pulled in Tuesday's 5-0 loss to the Rangers.

Impact Merilainen allowed two goals on 16 shots before he was replaced by Anton Forsberg at the 4:59 mark of the second period. This was Merilainen's first loss in regulation since Jan. 2, when he gave up four goals in a 4-2 loss to the Stars. The 22-year-old netminder has done a good job as the Senators' first-choice goaltender in recent weeks. He's gone 4-2-1 with a 2.17 GAA and a .920 save percentage across seven appearances in January, although it's worth noting that he owns the No. 1 role since Linus Ullmark remains sidelined with a back injury.

JANUARY 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Between pipes Tuesday Merilainen will defend the road cage Tuesday versus the Rangers, according to TSN 1200 Ottawa.

Impact Merilainen had his worst outing of the season Saturday, conceding five goals on 28 shots, but he still came out with a win in a high-scoring affair against Boston. The Finnish netminder has only lost twice in regulation through nine outings in 2024-25, turning in two shutouts over those appearances. The Rangers are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss to Montreal on Sunday.

JANUARY 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Steals shootout win Merilainen turned aside 23 shots in regulation and overtime and all three shootout attempts he faced in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Bruins.

Impact The Senators out-shot the visitors 44-28, but Merilainen allowed a career-high five goals and needed some late heroics from Josh Norris at the end of the third period just to force OT. The 22-year-old netminder redeemed himself in extra time however, denying Charlie Coyle, David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha in the shootout to secure the victory. Merilainen's time in the NHL could be coming to an end for now with Linus Ullmark (back) close to coming off IR, but he's firmly established himself as Ottawa's goalie of the future with his recent performances. Through nine NHL appearances this season, Merilainen has gone 6-2-1 with a 2.20 GAA and .917 save percentage, and with Anton Forsberg a free agent next offseason, it's possible the team will ship the veteran out and keep Merilainen around instead.

JANUARY 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Slated to face Boston Merilainen is expected to start at home against Boston on Saturday, according to TSN 1200 Ottawa.

Impact It will be Merilainen's fifth straight start, and it's not hard to see why Ottawa keeps going back to him. He's posted a 3-0-1 record, 0.74 GAA and .971 save percentage over that stretch, which gives him a 5-2-1 record with a 1.84 GAA and a .930 save percentage in eight outings this season. If Merilainen keeps playing like this, he might stick with the NHL squad even after Linus Ullmark (back) returns. The Bruins rank 26th in goals per game with 2.65.

JANUARY 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Merilainen quickly making name for himself in Senators net | NHL.com Rookie goalie's 'real calm demeanor' key to 2 shutouts in past 4 starts

JANUARY 17, 2025 • NHL.COM

WSH@OTT: Ovechkin scores goal against Leevi Merilainen | Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin (WSH) scores goal against Leevi Merilainen (OTT) to make it 0 - 0

JANUARY 17, 2025 • NHL.COM

Saddled with overtime loss Merilainen turned aside 27 of 28 shots faced during Thursday's 1-0 home loss to the Capitals.

Impact Merilainen stood tall against the vaunted Capitals before surrendering Alex Ovechkin's 874th career goal in overtime. The 22-year-old Finn looks to have edged out Anton Forsberg as the replacement for Linus Ullmark (back) while the latter is on the injured list, so fantasy managers should consider adding Merilainen if he's still available.

JANUARY 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Between pipes against Caps Merilainen will tend the twine for Thursday's home matchup with Washington, Graeme Nichols of The Hockey News reports.

Impact Merilainen will make his fourth consecutive start after posting an impressive 3-0-0 record, 0.67 GAA and two shutouts in his previous three tilts. With the 22-year-old backstop going Thursday, the team could decide to give Anton Forsberg the first game of a back-to-back against the Bruins on Saturday while saving Merilainen to face New Jersey on Sunday. Either way, Merilainen should continue to see plenty of starts moving forward given his strong level of play.

JANUARY 16, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Blanks Isles for second shutout Merilainen made 24 saves in Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Islanders.

Impact All of a sudden, the 22-year-old rookie might be the hottest goalie in the NHL. Merilainen has started three straight games and won all three, with two of those outings producing his first two career shutouts. In seven outings since he was called up in mid-December, he's gone 5-2-0 with a 1.98 GAA and .925 save percentage, and the Senators appear willing to give him a shot at taking the No. 1 job away from Anton Forsberg. There's no timeline yet for Linus Ullmark (back) to make his return from IR, but the Sens could have a dilemma on their hands when he does -- or an opportunity to trade one of their veteran netminders -- if Merilainen is still surging.

JANUARY 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Leevi Merilainen, Senators secure shutout win vs. Islanders Leevi Merilainen authored his second shutout in three starts Tuesday night, recording 24 saves to lead the visiting Ottawa Senators to a 2-0...

JANUARY 15, 2025 • KANSASCITY.COM

Merilainen and Gaudette lead Senators to 2-0 win against Islanders

Leevi Merilainen made 24 saves for his second shutout in three games and the Ottawa Senators beat the New York Islanders 2-0

JANUARY 15, 2025 • Associated Press

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Merilainen gets 3rd shutout of season as Senators beat Wild 6-0

Merilainen and Gaudette lead Senators to 2-0 win against Islanders