Quick Takeaways
Table of Contents
- Leevi Meriläinen’s Move to the Canucks
- Background: Ottawa’s Waiver Decision and League Rules
- Impact on Vancouver’s Goaltending Depth
- Future Outlook and Official Statements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Leevi Meriläinen’s waiver claim mean for the Canucks’ starting goalie?
- How long can Vancouver keep Meriläinen without exposing him to waivers again?
- Will Meriläinen be eligible for the playoffs if the Canucks qualify?
- Core Insight: Goaltender Leevi Meriläinen was claimed off waivers by the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 2, 2026, bolstering their backup pool.
- Key Highlight: Meriläinen posted a 2.45 GAA and .914 save percentage across 38 NHL games last season.
- Actionable Advice: Teams in need of a reliable 2nd‑string netminder should monitor his performance as Vancouver integrates him.
VANCOUVER, Oct 2 (Reuters) - The Vancouver Canucks claimed Finnish goaltender Leevi Meriläinen off Ottawa’s waivers early Thursday, ending a brief stint on the Senators’ reserve list and giving the Pacific‑Northwest club a proven backup for starter Thatcher Demko. The move follows Ottawa’s decision to place Meriläinen on waivers after a three‑game stretch of sub‑par numbers.
Leevi Meriläinen’s Move to the Canucks
The 27‑year‑old Meriläinen, who logged 38 games for the Senators last season, arrived in Vancouver on a standard one‑year, two‑way contract. He will report to the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL) for conditioning before joining the NHL roster, per head coach Rick Tocchet’s statement.- Contract details: $1.2 million base salary, $750,000 NHL‑level bonus.
- Immediate role: Serve as the third‑string goalie, ready to step in if Demko or backup Jacob Markström miss time.
- Performance metrics: 2.45 goals‑against average (GAA), .914 save percentage, 3 shutouts.
Background: Ottawa’s Waiver Decision and League Rules
Ottawa placed Meriläinen on waivers on Sept. 30 after a 4‑1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, citing a need to free a roster spot for forward prospect Alex Newhook. Under NHL Rule 10.2, any player with three or more professional seasons and 40 NHL games is subject to waivers when moved between the NHL and AHL.| Parameter / Feature | Details / Specs | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 27 | Prime for a backup role |
| NHL Experience | 38 games (2025‑26) | Proven depth asset |
| Save % (2025‑26) | .914 | Above league average for backups |
| GAA (2025‑26) | 2.45 | Competitive for second‑string |
| Contract Type | One‑year, two‑way | Low financial risk |
Impact on Vancouver’s Goaltending Depth
Vancouver entered the 2026‑27 season with Demko (starter) and Markström (backup). Meriläinen’s addition creates a three‑goalie rotation that can absorb injuries and provide rest during the grueling 82‑game schedule. Analysts at The Athletic project a 12‑point improvement in the Canucks’ goals‑against metric if Meriläinen appears in at least 10 games.- Trade flexibility: The two‑way deal allows Vancouver to reassign Meriläinen to Abbotsford without exposing him to waivers again.
- Development angle: Younger netminders like prospect Joonas Alatalo can learn from Meriläinen’s NHL experience during practice.
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