What happened: The Ottawa Senators have agreed to a contract extension with goaltender Leevi Merilainen for the 2026-27 season. The deal keeps the young Finnish netminder in Ottawa's crease plans heading into the upcoming campaign.

Why it matters: Securing Merilainen adds cost-controlled depth to the Senators' goaltending picture as the club shapes its roster for 2026-27. Retaining a developing goaltender gives Ottawa flexibility between the pipes without committing to a long-term or high-priced veteran option.

What to watch: Watch for how Ottawa structures its goaltending rotation and whether Merilainen pushes for a larger share of starts in 2026-27.