2025 Stats
W
8
L
10
SO
0
GAA
3.51
SV%
.860
2026 Projections
2026 Fantasy Outlook
Merilainen began 2025-26 in the NHL, but he wasn't able to keep the backup role with the Senators. He went 8-10-1 with a 3.51 GAA and an .860 save percentage in 20 regular-season appearances for Ottawa, and he didn't come back to the NHL until the playoffs, when he served as the third goalie. In the AHL, he went 8-8-1 with a 2.77 GAA and a .909 save percentage over 19 regular-season outings. Assuming James Reimer isn't brought back, Merilainen is likely to have the inside track for the backup job behind Linus Ullmark to begin 2026-27. Entering his age-24 season, he'd likely be able to get over 25 games if he can replicate his AHL performance a level higher. That still makes him little more than a streaming option in fantasy, at least to start the year. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Senators in July of 2026.
Re-signs Thursday
Merilainen signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Senators on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Merilainen had an 8-10-1 record, 3.51 GAA and .860 save percentage in 20 regular-season appearances with Ottawa in 2025-26. While those results leave plenty to be desired, the 23-year-old has the potential to bounce back. However, he'll have to compete with Samuel Ersson during training camp to earn the No. 2 job behind Linus Ullmark. If the 23-year-old Merilainen doesn't do enough to win an NHL roster spot, then he'll return to the minors to continue to hone his game.
Merilainen had an 8-10-1 record, 3.51 GAA and .860 save percentage in 20 regular-season appearances with Ottawa in 2025-26. While those results leave plenty to be desired, the 23-year-old has the potential to bounce back. However, he'll have to compete with Samuel Ersson during training camp to earn the No. 2 job behind Linus Ullmark. If the 23-year-old Merilainen doesn't do enough to win an NHL roster spot, then he'll return to the minors to continue to hone his game.
NHL Stats
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2025 NHL Game Log
2025
2024
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2020
2025 NHL Game Log
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2025–26 Time On Ice Stats
- Average Time On Ice: 54:43
Senators Depth Chart
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2025
2024
Merilainen may be ready to ascend to the NHL as a full-time backup. In limited action last season, he posted an 8-3-1 record with a 1.99 GAA and a .925 save percentage in 12 games, filling in as a short-term starter for much of January while Linus Ullmark dealt with a back injury. Merilainen is just entering his age-23 season, and that means he's still got time to develop. Those numbers, combined with his 18-12-4 record, 2.37 GAA and .913 save percentage over 37 games with AHL Belleville, indicate that Merilainen can handle 25-30 games at the NHL level. It's no guarantee he'll start 2025-26 in Ottawa, but he'll be in the mix for the backup job in training camp.
More Fantasy News
Up from minors
Merilainen was called up by Ottawa on Friday.
ANALYSIS
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Logs shutout Friday
Merilainen posted a 26-save shutout in AHL Belleville's 5-0 win over Manitoba on Friday.
ANALYSIS
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Regaining confidence in Belleville
Merilainen posted a 40-save shutout in AHL Belleville's 1-0 win over Springfield on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
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Shipped down to minors
Merilainen was reassigned to AHL Belleville on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
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Falls in OT
Merilainen stopped 13 of 19 shots on net in Saturday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Canadiens.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Poised to start Monday
Merilainen is likely to get the starting nod at home versus the Red Wings on Monday, Claire Hanna of TSN reports.
ANALYSIS
Merilainen would be making his fifth straight appearance in the crease, having posted a 2-2-0 record with 11 goals allowed on 92 shots over his prior four outings. With Linus Ullmark still away from the team for personal reasons, the 23-year-old Merilainen figures to continue seeing the bulk of the workload ahead of Hunter Shepard.
Merilainen would be making his fifth straight appearance in the crease, having posted a 2-2-0 record with 11 goals allowed on 92 shots over his prior four outings. With Linus Ullmark still away from the team for personal reasons, the 23-year-old Merilainen figures to continue seeing the bulk of the workload ahead of Hunter Shepard.