Vancouver Canucks claim goalie Leevi Merilainen off waivers

The Vancouver Canucks have claimed goaltender Leevi Merilainen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators to bolster their depth. The move comes as Canucks starter Thatcher Demko remains sidelined while recovering from major hip surgery.

Merilainen, a 24-year-old Finnish netminder, joins a goaltending group that includes veteran Kevin Lankinen and Nikita Tolopilo. While Merilainen struggled in his 20 games with Ottawa last season, posting a .860 save percentage, he previously recorded a .925 save rate over 12 NHL appearances the prior year.

In response to losing Merilainen, the Ottawa Senators have acquired Jonas Johansson from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a trade for future considerations. Johansson, a Swedish goaltender, joins the Senators to provide depth alongside Linus Ullmark and Samuel Ersson.