Canucks claim Leevi Merilainen off waivers from Senators

The Vancouver Canucks have claimed goaltender Leevi Merilainen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators. The 24-year-old Finn appeared in 20 games for Ottawa last season.

Vancouver is expected to begin the season without star goalie Thatcher Demko, who underwent season-ending hip surgery in January.

Merilainen posted an 8-10-1 record, a 3.51 goals-against average and a .860 save percentage with the Senators last season. In 34 career NHL games, all with Ottawa, he has a 16-14-3 record, a 3.00 goals-against average, a .885 save percentage and three shutouts.

The Senators selected Merilainen in the third round, 71st overall, in the 2020 NHL draft.