The Vancouver Canucks have claimed goaltender Leevi Merilainen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators, making them the first team to make a claim on the preseason waiver wire, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The move shifts the 24-year-old netminder to a new organization four years after his professional debut in the Senators’ pro ranks.
Addressing Vancouver’s Goaltending Depth
Merilainen steps into a full-time role with a Canucks franchise that has spent recent seasons searching for reliable depth behind oft-injured starter Thatcher Demko. Last season saw three different goaltenders play at least 20 games for Vancouver. Kevin Lankinen shouldered a heavy workload, finishing with an 11-27-5 record and an .876 save percentage across 47 appearances. Demko led the room statistically in his limited action, posting an 8-10-1 record with an .895 save percentage in 20 games. With Demko sidelined by injury once again, the club initially prepared to enter the campaign with a tandem of Lankinen and Nikita Tolopilo.
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Did you know? Leevi Merilainen signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with Ottawa earlier this summer before being placed on waivers and claimed by the Canucks.
Evaluating Merilainen’s NHL and AHL Track Record
Despite a difficult campaign in Ottawa last year where he managed an 8-10-1 record and an .860 save percentage across 20 appearances, Merilainen represents an upward projection over Tolopilo. That performance marked a sharp drop from his 2024-25 numbers, when he posted an 8-3-1 record and a .925 save percentage. Across his career, the young goaltender has logged 34 NHL games alongside 84 AHL appearances, where he holds a 39-29-10 record and a .911 save percentage.
Merilainen’s career has featured distinct peaks and valleys, though his overall body of work remains above average for a player of his age.
Contract Status and Future Outlook
Vancouver offers a clear runway for Merilainen to secure consistent playing time at the top level. Because he is playing on a one-year, $1.1 million deal secured this summer, he will become an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent next July unless the Canucks sign him to an extension beforehand. A strong start in Western Canada could position the goaltender for a long-term contract that secures a heavier workload of 40 or more games per season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team claimed Leevi Merilainen off waivers?
The Vancouver Canucks claimed Leevi Merilainen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
What are Merilainen’s contract details?
Merilainen is playing on a one-year, $1.1 million contract signed earlier in the summer with Ottawa, and he will be an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent next July.
How did Merilainen perform last season?
In 20 games with the Senators last year, Merilainen recorded an 8-10-1 record and an .860 save percentage.
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