Can the Ottawa Senators resurrect Samuel Ersson's career?

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeOttawa SenatorsSportsHockeyNHL Can the Ottawa Senators resurrect Samuel Ersson's career? Netminder is coming off three uninspiring years with Philadelphia Flyers and has never posted season save percentage above .900. Author of the article: By Callum Fraser Published Sep 18, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Ottawa Senators goalie Samuel Ersson hits the ice during training camp at the Bell Sensplex. PHOTO BY TONY CALDWELL /POSTMEDIA Article content As calculated as it may be, the Ottawa Senators are taking a risk with Samuel Ersson. Article content The goaltender, who signed a two-year, $4.4-million contract with Ottawa on July 1, is coming off the worst statistical season of his career with the Philadelphia Flyers. Article content Article content Making a minimum of 15 NHL starts in 2025-26, a single goalie had a save percentage worse than Ersson’s .870 — his now-teammate Leevi Meriläinen (.860). Article content Article content But the Senators clearly see something in Ersson. Coach Travis Green noted on the first day of training camp Thursday that goalie coach Justin Peters and Maciej Szwoch, the team’s new coordinator of goaltending scouting and development, are confident in his abilities. Article content Sports Get the latest sport headlines and breaking news. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “Well, I think he’s a pretty good goalie,” Green said. “I know the numbers didn’t say that last year, but I know he was better down the stretch.” Article content Indeed, Ersson was a huge factor in the Flyers scraping into the Stanley Cup playoffs in the spring. Backing up Dan Vladar, he went 6-1-0 with a .912 save percentage after Feb. 26. Article content It was a good note to end on. Life in the crease hadn’t been easy the past few years. Article content How did Ersson play with the Flyers? Article content After a respectable rookie stint with the Flyers in 2022-23 at age 23, going 6-3-0 with an .899 SV%, Ersson’s numbers steadily dropped off with added responsibility. He was 23-19-7 with an .890 SV% in 2023-24, and went 22-17-5 with an .883 SV% in 2024-25. Article content “I mean, I got a really good opportunity in Philly, which I’m really grateful for,” Ersson said.…