Full Breakdown
Ottawa Senators Sign Swedish Goaltender Samuel Ersson to Two-Year Deal
7/2/2026, 12:44:42 AM
Core Deal Secured
On July 1, 2026 the Ottawa Senators signed Swedish goaltender Samuel Ersson to a two-year contract worth $4.4 million total ($2.2 million AAV) through the 2027-28 season, positioning him as the backup to starter Linus Ullmark.
Trade History & Negotiation
Ersson, a 2018 fifth-round pick (143rd overall), was dealt from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Toronto Maple Leafs on June 16, 2026 in a package that sent goalie Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit to Philadelphia. Ottawa obtained his negotiating rights from Toronto for a 2027 fifth-round pick and chose not to tender a $1.6-$1.8 million qualifying offer before agreeing to the $2.2 million AAV deal.
Player Profile & Recent Stats
Ersson, 26, has appeared in 143 NHL games, posting a 65-50-17 record, seven shutouts, a 3.01 GAA and a .884 save percentage per the Senators’ release. In 2025-26 with Philadelphia he recorded a .870 save percentage and 3.12 GAA in 33 games, while his 2023-24 season featured a .890 save percentage and 2.82 GAA, earning a Calder Trophy vote.
Official Statements & Responses
General manager and president of hockey operations Steve Staios said Ersson is a “good fit with our system,” citing his NHL and international experience and the upside the staff sees. The organization also reiterated its aim to reach the 2027 Stanley Cup playoffs, viewing the signing as a step toward that objective.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans and analysts questioned the decision to bypass a $1.6-$1.8 million qualifying offer, calling the $2.2 million contract “questionable” given Ersson’s .870 save percentage last season. Observers also noted the Senators had explored veteran backups such as Stuart Skinner and Cam Talbot, suggesting the deal carries risk if his performance does not rebound.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources report differing recent statistics: one lists a .884 save percentage and 3.01 GAA, another a .870 save percentage and 3.12 GAA, while a third cites a .890 save percentage and 2.82 GAA for the 2023-24 season. No comment from Ersson was provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Samuel is a goaltender we identified as a good fit with our system,” — Steve Staios, Senators GM
- “He has a combination of NHL and international experience and has an upside that our staff is excited to work with.” — Steve Staios, Senators GM
- “The Sens just hope it turns out that they make the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and this Samuel Ersson contract helps to achieve that organizational goal in a positive way.” — Last Word on Sports
What’s Next
Ersson will serve as Ullmark’s backup in the 2026-27 season, expected to share games and start if needed. Ottawa’s recent moves, including acquiring winger William Eklund and extending defenseman Jordan Spence, aim to bolster the roster for a playoff run that depends on goaltending consistency.
