There has been a lot of talk about goaltending this summer.
Samuel Ersson was acquired and his presence angered the masses. Even though nobody really knows anything about goaltending, some of his numbers look not so great last season and therefore his two-year contract was an unforgivable mistake. Staios OUT, they cried. Or something like that.
Today, the Ottawa Senators reminded everyone that there is still another goalie in the mix.
Leevi Merilainen has signed a one-year one-way contract with the Sens. The deal comes in at an AAV of $1.1 million.
On the surface, it may seem a little crowded in the crease but Staios has been vocal about the need for three quality goalies at the NHL level. The hope is there’s somewhere between one and three of those on the current roster.
Merilainen will need to clear waivers to be sent down next season and he’ll have RFA arbitration rights at the end of this contract.