In the 2024-25 season, both the Ottawa Senators and Belleville Senators saw an incredible rise from goaltender Leevi Merilainen. Had Merilainen not have his 12-game surge during the Winter when both Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg were injured, Ottawa's chances at a 2025 playoff spot could've shrunk.
This upcoming 2025-26 season, Merilainen is expected to rise more in the NHL after Forsberg signed a contract in free agency with the Los Angeles Kings. With the season he had in both the NHL and AHL last season, Merilainen has high potential to be a solid backup for Ullmark.