Leevi Merilainen's fall from Senators saviour to waiver wire is complete

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeOttawa SenatorsSportsHockeyNHLSenators Extra Leevi Merilainen's fall from Senators saviour to waiver wire is complete "He looks like he has no idea what he's supposed to do as a goalie." Author of the article: By Bruce Garrioch Published Sep 24, 2026 4 minute read Join the conversation TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 23: Leevi Meriläinen #1 of the Ottawa Senators walks to the ice for warm-up prior to the preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on September 23, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. PHOTO BY CHRIS TANOUYE /Getty Images Article content The Ottawa Senators swung their axe on Thursday. Article content The Senators shifted gears in training camp by splitting into two groups: Players still competing for National Hockey League roster spots and those expected to begin the season with the club’s American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville. Article content Article content The most significant move was the decision to put goaltender Leevi Merilainen on waivers. Article content Less than 24 hours after he surrendered six goals and was pulled early in the third period of the club’s 6-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, the Senators waived Merilainen on Thursday at 2 p.m. Article content Article content Article content If he clears on Friday, the 24-year-old Merilainen will be assigned to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville. A third-round selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, he struggled throughout last season and didn’t look good at all against the Leafs. 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 What happened to Merilainen? Article content Those who have watched Merilainen believe he has lost his confidence. Article content “He looks like he has no idea what he’s supposed to do as a goalie,” a league executive told the Ottawa Citizen on Thursday. “He’s swimming in the net. Article content “One minute, he’s aggressive and the next he’s back in the net. Anything that’s redirected, he’s not sure where it is. Article content “This happens to goalies, but right now he doesn’t look like he knows where he’s supposed to be.” Article content This is the first time in his career that…