The Ottawa Senators acquired goaltender Jonas Johansson from the Tampa Bay Lightning for future considerations Friday, adding an experienced option after losing Leevi Meriläinen on waivers to Vancouver.
The trade ends Johansson’s three-season stay in Tampa Bay and gives Ottawa another goaltender behind Linus Ullmark and Samuel Ersson. Johansson had already cleared waivers before the deal, allowing the Senators to assign him to their American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville.
Tampa Bay had sent Johansson to Syracuse after he passed through waivers. His departure transfers his $1.25 million contract to Ottawa and opens a contract slot as the club completes its preparations for the regular season.
Johansson appeared in 70 games for Tampa Bay, compiling a 32–23–10 record with three shutouts. He worked primarily as Andrei Vasilevskiy’s backup during his time with the club.
Last season, the 31-year-old played 25 games for the Lightning. Tampa Bay began looking for another destination for him after acquiring Dennis Hildeby during the offseason, according to The Hockey News.
Hildeby arrived from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the trade that sent forward Nick Paul to Toronto. The 25-year-old had been expected to compete for the backup job; Johansson’s departure now leaves a clearer path to the role behind Vasilevskiy.
Hildeby has already appeared for Tampa Bay during the preseason, giving the Lightning an opportunity to assess him in game action before final roster decisions. The move also changes the depth chart in Syracuse, where Mads Sogaard and Olivier Rodrigue are among the remaining goaltending options.
For Ottawa, the acquisition follows a same-day loss at the position. Vancouver’s claim removed Meriläinen from the Senators’ system, and the Johansson deal provides a replacement with several seasons of NHL experience.
His waiver status is significant for the assignment decision. Ottawa can place him in Belleville with most of his cap charge excluded from its NHL total, rather than needing to carry three goaltenders on the active roster immediately.
Neither team announced a player or draft pick going to Tampa Bay in the transaction. The stated return was future considerations.
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