There have been many NHL Rumours swirling around the Ottawa Senators, specifically their blue paint area. Today, we are talking tendies. No, not chicken tenders, silly, goaltenders! And even more specific to that, the backup goalie position. So, let’s get into it, you know what it is, time to get sensational.
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NHL Rumours and What the Ottawa Senators Goalie Plans are for 2026-27
Rumour: We will take our goaltender discussion from the guys at Coming In Hot. Analytic guru Mike Kelly of Sportlogiq stopped by with the crew to chat options. There seems to be general messaging that the Sens need to spend money to upgrade their roster. One place they want to have money for that purpose is the backup goalie position.
Analysis: This makes sense from last year when Linus Ullmark was periodically forced out of action. Then, youngster Leevi Merilainen was unable to carry the lion’s share of the work. They eventually signed veteran James Reimer, out of retirement essentially. In contrast, they want to be ahead of it, by the off chance that the exact same scenario plays out next year.
We will start this conversation off by saying, if one of your biggest problems, as a team, is your backup goalie, chances are things are pretty good overall. This is a Sens organization on the up-tick, having made the Stanley Cup Playoffs each of the last two seasons. Moreover, they are a young group and their core, for the most part, is still improving.
We Will Start With the Future
Merilainen would fit the description as a young goaltender that is still improving. He turns 24 this summer, and the future remains very bright for the Finn. Yes, he did suffer a poor season at the NHL level in 2025-26, posting an .860 save percentage. However, he was able to bounce back, and ended up posting a .909 save percentage for the Belleville Senators of the AHL. Let’s not forget, that in 12 games in 2024-25, he had a .925 save percentage for Ottawa. It was a small sample size, but it was credited with a big part of pushing Ottawa into the playoffs that year.
In addition, through his AHL career, thus far, he has appeared in 84 games, and carries a very solid .911 save percentage. Would he benefit from more time in the AHL? Possibly. But at the same time, he has almost outgrown that league. That is from the standpoint of continual growth. So, Merilainen will either start 2026-27 as Ottawa’s backup, or at the very least, Belleville’s starter, and be the first available for a call-up.
What About Other Options as Per NHL Rumours
The other side of this discussion is how great of a fit James Reimer was for Ottawa last year. Pertaining to his availability specifically, he is known to be a family man. In terms of re-signing with Ottawa, the 38-year-old may not want to leave his home way out west in Kelowna, BC area, to come play for another season.
However, in the same breath, his presence did give Ottawa an example of the perfect template for what works for their situation. He was able to provide starter Linus Ullmark with excellent support. Not just from his solid play in the net, but also bringing his veteran experience, and providing excellent support for Ullmark on the mental side of things. The main takeaway is maybe a veteran, like Reimer, is who the Sens should target. Of course, with a weak free agent class upcoming, that approach has its own challenges.
That is why the focus on who to bring in centred around two qualities. One is that they would be somewhat inexpensive. This would allow Ottawa to spend money looking for a top-six forward. The next, is that they would be a reclamation project of sorts. Although, that kind of plays on the first one, as it is why they aren’t high priced commodities.
The two names they provided on the show were Devon Levi and Sam Montembeault, both would be given a clean slate and a second chance at solid NHL careers. Furthermore, they are both have great skill, and, at times, have played well over the past couple seasons.
Now, they wouldn’t bring the veteran savvy, that a player like Reimer brought to bring calm to the Sens net this past winter. However, they give an extra option, and someone who is NHL-calibre to fill in, when Ullmark needs a rest. It would provide that extra push for Merilainen and hold them accountable. No one is expecting Ullmark to play anymore than 50-55 games. So, that’s up to 35 games, or so, that he will need someone else in net. Merilainen should be able to handle that, but having someone else in case we have a repeat of last year, is the preferred option.
Trying to Come Full Circle
There is one internal option. It has been mentioned that the Sens were trying to move on from their former top goaltender prospect, Mads Sogaard. That type of move hasn’t proven to go well for Ottawa, case in point Filip Gustavsson in Minnesota. Regardless, it is possible the Sens qualify Sogaard to bring him back. So, just another option to help support Merilainen in the backup role.
Well there you have it. What we know is that Ullmark will be the starter, and you can pencil Merilainen either second or third on the depth charts. How much money the Sens spend, and exactly who, if anybody, they acquire, is yet to be determined. But you can be sure that their general manager Steve Staios will be accountable in his actions. He will have the money there to pick one up, if needed. Also, the big lesson learned from 2025-26, maybe don’t leave it until January.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
