Ullmark, Skinner & Meriläinen: What Canadian Goalies Are Hot?

NHL Trade Talk highlights early-season goaltending performances across Canadian teams, focusing on advanced Goals Saved Above Expected metrics. Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark ranks near the top of the leaderboard with a +6.8 mark, while Winnipeg's Stuart Skinner sits at +2.3. Vancouver Canucks goaltender Leevi Meriläinen has also posted an encouraging +2.5 after being claimed off waivers from Ottawa in September.

Meriläinen is receiving an extended opportunity in Vancouver while starter Thatcher Demko recovers from a hip injury. In an October 16 matchup against the Florida Panthers, Meriläinen stopped 36 shots in a 3–2 overtime loss. The writer notes that while it is early in the season, these performances provide positive signs regardless of team records.