Senators pull off surprise goaltending trade ahead of season

The Ottawa Senators made a move to bolster their goaltending depth, picking up Jonas Johansson from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for future considerations.

The deal brings a well-traveled 31-year-old netminder to the nation's capital, one who has logged 105 NHL appearances across multiple organizations since breaking into the league with the Buffalo Sabres during the 2019-20 campaign.

Earlier today, the Senators lost Leevi Meriläinen to the Vancouver Canucks, who claimed him off waivers.

Johansson has bounced around the league over the past several seasons, spending time with the Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers before landing in Tampa Bay ahead of the 2023-24 season. His most recent body of work includes 25 games during the 2025-26 season, where he compiled an 11-10-2 record alongside a 3.29 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage.

Those numbers suggest a serviceable backup option, though not one who will dramatically alter a team's fortunes on his own. Still, for the cost of future considerations, the Senators are getting a goaltender with meaningful NHL experience and familiarity with the demands of a full season.

Originally selected by the Sabres in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft at 61st overall, Johansson hails from Gavle, Sweden. He also carries international experience, having earned a silver medal representing his country at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The acquisition hints at Ottawa's desire to shore up the crease, whether as insurance against injury or as part of a broader plan to manage their goaltending workload going forward. Deals involving future considerations are typically low-risk moves, giving the Senators flexibility without parting with any roster pieces or draft capital.

Johansson is on the move and will look to carve out a role in Ottawa and prove that his years of experience across five NHL organizations have prepared him for whatever opportunity comes next with the Senators.