Senators Trade for Lightning Goaltender Johansson
Ottawa acquired goaltender Jonas Johansson from Tampa Bay for future considerations. The trade happened shortly after Vancouver claimed Leevi Merilainen off waivers from the Senators. Johansson, who spent three seasons backing up Andrei Vasilevskiy, provides experienced depth behind Linus Ullmark.
Ottawa moved quickly after losing Leevi Merilainen to Vancouver via waivers. The Senators sent future considerations to Tampa Bay for Jonas Johansson, who had served as Andrei Vasilevskiy’s backup for three seasons. Last year he posted an 11-10-2 record, 3.29 goals-against average and .884 save percentage. His Lightning career mark was 32-23-10 across 70 games.
Johansson, drafted 61st overall by Buffalo in 2014, never appeared in an NHL game for the Sabres. In Ottawa, he offers experienced depth behind Linus Ullmark, with a $25,000 minor-league cap hit. The deal came before Monday’s 5 p.m. ET roster deadline. Merilainen had been re-signed in July and was set for a larger Vancouver role.
This trade may matter most to Ottawa and Vancouver fans, plus the goalies involved. Ottawa could gain steadier backup insurance behind Ullmark, while Vancouver may get a younger netminder with upside. For Johansson and Merilainen, the moves could alter career trajectories and playing time. Beyond hockey audiences, the impact is likely modest, though roster changes can shape local sports conversation and fan engagement during the preseason.