The Vancouver Canucks claimed goaltender Leevi Merilainen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators on Friday.
Merilainen had an .860 save percentage and a 3.51 goals-against average in 20 games last season with Ottawa. He also recorded a .909 SV% and a 2.77 GAA in 19 AHL games.
The 24-year-old performed much better in his 2024-25 NHL stint, posting a .925 SV% and a 1.99 GAA in 12 appearances.
Merilainen carries a $1.1-million cap hit and is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in July.
The Senators drafted the Finn 71st overall in 2020.
Kevin Lankinen is the Canucks' projected starting goaltender, with Thatcher Demko injured to start the season. Vancouver still has Nikita Tolopilo on its camp roster, along with veteran Chris Driedger on a professional tryout.
The Canucks are first in waiver priority after finishing last in the NHL in 2025-26.
