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The Vancouver Canucks have acquired goaltender Leevi Merilainen from the Ottawa Senators via waivers as they address their starting goalie situation with Thatcher Demko sidelined.
The Vancouver Canucks have claimed goaltender Leevi Meriläinen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators. The 24-year-old Finn appeared in 20 games for the Senators last season.
Posted: Sep 25, 2026 2:47 PM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours agoThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. Leevi Meriläinen makes a save against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 27, 2025.
The Vancouver Canucks have claimed goaltender Leevi Meriläinen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators. The 24-year-old Finn appeared in 20 games for the Senators last season, posting an 8-10-1 record with a 3.51 goals-against average and a .860 save percentage. He put up a 1.99 GAA and .925 save percentage in 2024-25 in his first extended taste of the NHL, helping the Senators weather an injury to starter Linus Ullmark.
Vancouver is expected to start the season without starting goalie Thatcher Demko, who underwent season-ending hip surgery in January. They also have fellow Finn Kevin Lankinen on their roster.
Vancouver Canucks Leevi Merilainen Ottawa Senators NHL Thatcher Demko
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