The Ottawa Senators have been a player so far this offseason, even if their hand had originally been forced somewhat by the Brady Tkachuk trade demand. But today, they continue to add to their depth charts, potentially, as the news broke of a Samuel Ersson trade, which gives the Sens an advantage in contract negotiations ahead of the July 1st free agency period. Going the other way, to the Toronto Maple Leafs, is a fifth-round draft pick.
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Leafs have made a trade. Traded rights to Ersson to Ottawa for a 5th round pick
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 26, 2026
The Samuel Ersson Trade from Toronto to Ottawa
This is an interesting move by both sides. For the Sens, acquiring the rights for the goalie in the Samuel Ersson trade acquisition, could have a couple different angles. Maybe general manager Steve Staios thinks having him as an asset, maybe working a sign and trade angle, would be more valuable than a fifth-round pick.
On the other hand, it is well known the Sens are in the market for a goaltender. Ersson would definitely fit the description of a reclamation project. Staios could be thinking he could sign him cheap and have an extra tender to float between the AHL and NHL level for a trial or two with the big club. He hasn’t been too high on people’s radar, so might escape the waiver wire if that ends up being the Sens plan.
Statistically, Ersson has played 143 career regular season contests. He possesses a respectable 65-50-17 record, with seven shutouts. His goals-against average is 3.01, and a save percentage of .884. It is possible he could find some chemistry with fellow Swede Linus Ullmark.
The Samuel Ersson Trade from the Leafs Perspective
Meanwhile for Leaf GM John Chayka, this is a curious move. Many thought even acquiring Ersson, when they shipped Joseph Woll out the door, was a poor value exchange. Now to ship him out, for a fifth rounder, is probably as good of value as they could get for him. The Leafs are comfortable with their current goaltending situation, it seems. Shipping out Woll was a sign that Artur Akhtyamov, this year’s Calder Cup champion as a member of the Toronto Marlies, is close to be ready for NHL backup service to Anthony Stolarz. In other words, they never did have plans for Ersson.
In any sense, given all the activity today, we get the idea that teams are pushing very hard to make adjustments before their opponents. Stay tuned with us for all the very latest news and our subsequent analysis.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
