What Happened
The Vancouver Canucks claimed goaltender Leevi Merilainen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators on Friday, according to Sportsnet. The 24-year-old Finn is expected to serve as Kevin Lankinen's backup when Vancouver opens the regular season Tuesday in Edmonton, with Thatcher Demko facing an uncertain recovery timeline. Because the Canucks finished last season as the worst team in the league, they hold the first waiver priority before Nov. 1.
Key Details
- Merilainen, 24, was claimed off waivers from Ottawa on Friday.
- He is expected to back up Kevin Lankinen to open the season.
- Thatcher Demko may not be healthy to start the season, per Sportsnet.
- Vancouver opens the regular season Tuesday in Edmonton.
- Canucks centre Aatu Raty grew up with Merilainen in Oulu, Finland.
- The Canucks had Merilainen on their radar all summer.
What It Means
With Demko's availability for the start of the season uncertain, Vancouver needed a reliable option behind Lankinen. Merilainen arrives at no acquisition cost because the Canucks hold first waiver priority as last season's worst team. Sportsnet reports the club believes he has a higher ceiling than he has shown, making the pickup potentially significant for a rebuilding roster.
What's Next
Merilainen is expected to be in uniform as Lankinen's backup when Vancouver opens the regular season Tuesday in Edmonton. Demko's recovery timeline remains unclear, so Merilainen's role could grow depending on his status.