Ottawa Senators fans watched the crease picture shift twice in one day on Friday, as the team traded for goaltender Jonas Johansson from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for future considerations.
The trade
Johansson was traded to the Senators by the Lightning for future considerations on Friday, according to NHL.com. The 31-year-old was 11-10-2 with a 3.29 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage in 25 games, including 23 starts, last season for Tampa Bay. Ottawa now has him under contract as it fills out its goaltending depth chart heading into the new season.
Why the Senators needed a goalie
The trade came together the same day the Senators lost Leevi Merilainen, their long-time backup goaltender, on waivers. Merilainen was claimed by the Vancouver Canucks off waivers from the Senators on Friday, according to TSN, meaning Ottawa needed to move quickly to restock its crease before the regular season starts. The Senators acquired Johansson in the trade with the Lightning specifically in exchange for future considerations, giving up little in the way of assets to add a goalie with NHL starting experience.
What led here
Merilainen's exit followed a rough preseason. As ottown's earlier report detailed, the Senators placed him on waivers less than 24 hours after he allowed six goals in a preseason loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He had been Ottawa's long-time backup, but the team opted to move on rather than risk exposing him again later. With Vancouver claiming him, Ottawa turned to the trade market the same day to fill the opening.
What it means for the Senators' crease
Johansson's arrival gives Ottawa an experienced option behind the starter as the team finalizes its roster before the opener. His numbers with Tampa Bay last season, an 11-10-2 record with a 3.29 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage, reflect a goalie who saw real NHL minutes rather than a depth signing plucked from the minors. For a Senators team also sorting out forward and defence roster spots at training camp, as covered in ottown's reporting on Philip Tomasino's push for a roster spot and the decision looming over rookie defenceman Carter Yakemchuk, the goaltending shakeup adds one more piece to settle before puck drop.
What's next
The Senators open their regular season on October 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. For a team that spent much of training camp working out its forward lines and defence pairings, Friday's moves mean the crease situation is now settled heading into the opener.
Sources: NHL.com, TSN
