Senators acquire goaltender Ersson from Leafs

The Ottawa Senators have acquired goaltender Samuel Ersson from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL draft, addressing a position that derailed the team last season.

Ersson, 26, will arrive as a veteran backup to Leevi Merialinen, the young goaltender the Senators thrust into the No. 1 role in late December after Linus Ullmark's leave of absence. The organization used five different goaltenders last season, leaving the position unsettled until veteran James Reimer joined in mid-January as an unrestricted free agent. Reimer has yet to decide whether he'll play again next season.

The move comes after Philadelphia dealt Ersson to Toronto on June 16 alongside defenceman Emil Andrae and a draft pick, in exchange for goalie Joseph Woll and defenceman Simon Benoit. This is the second time in two weeks he's been moved.

Ersson finished last season with a 14-11-5 record for the Flyers, posting a 3.12 goals-against average and an .860 save percentage. He carries a cap hit of $1.45 million US and will need a qualifying offer of $1.6 million by Monday at 5 p.m. to retain his rights for free agency — something general manager Pierre Dorion appears prepared to make.

With the regular season schedule expanding to 84 games next year, the Senators need depth in net. Merialinen, 23, will still receive his qualifying offer at $1.05 million as a restricted free agent, but the organization felt it necessary to bring in experienced depth while he develops. Ersson's stint in Philadelphia was marked by struggle, but a fresh start in Ottawa could help reset his game.