Ottawa Senators risk losing $2.9 million goaltender for nothing after qualifying decision

Samuel Ersson #33 of the Philadelphia Flyers warms up during the Carolina Hurricanes versus Philadelphia Flyers game one Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round game. The game was played on May 2, 2026 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Ottawa Senators might have put themselves in a tough spot by not qualifying goaltender Samuel Ersson before the start of NHL free agency. The ruling paves the way for the 26-year-old to become an unrestricted free agent if a new deal is not reached quickly.The move was particularly surprising as Ottawa acquired Ersson earlier this offseason for a fifth-round draft pick. The organization reportedly still wants to keep the goaltender, but it appears avoiding salary arbitration played a big part in the decision.

Samuel Ersson qualification decision creates uncertainty for Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators' decision not to qualify Samuel Ersson has put the franchise in a position to potentially lose a recently acquired goaltender for nothing.Ottawa’s front office was said to be keen to avoid an arbitration hearing that could have resulted in a higher cap hit for the goaltender. The Senators can also extend contract talks and still be able to negotiate by not tendering a qualifying offer.But it’s a risky approach because once free agency officially opens, Ersson can talk to other teams.

CategoryDetailsPlayerSamuel ErssonCurrent Team StatusAcquired by the Ottawa Senators earlier in the offseason but currently remains unsigned after not receiving a qualifying offer.Previous TeamsPhiladelphia Flyers and briefly the Toronto Maple Leafs before being moved to Ottawa.Acquisition CostOttawa acquired Ersson from Toronto in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.Contract StatusUnqualified restricted free agent who can become an unrestricted free agent if a new agreement is not finalized quickly.Age26 years old.Reason for Non-QualificationOttawa reportedly wanted to avoid a potential salary arbitration case that could have increased Ersson's cap hit on his next contract.Arbitration EligibilityEligible for salary arbitration, which was reportedly a significant factor in the Senators' decision-making process.Trade and Transaction TimelineTraded from Philadelphia to Toronto in a salary-cap-related move before being flipped to Ottawa only days later.NHL ExperienceHas appeared in more than 100 NHL games during his career.Market InterestExpected to attract attention from multiple teams seeking additional goaltending depth during free agency.Trade/Departure LikelihoodModerate to High, Ottawa risks losing the recently acquired goaltender for no return if negotiations stall.Biggest Risk for OttawaLosing a goaltender acquired earlier in the offseason without receiving any assets in return.Latest SituationThe Senators remain interested in retaining Ersson and can continue negotiating despite not issuing a qualifying offer before free agency opens.

How did Samuel Ersson arrive with the Ottawa Senators?

Samuel Ersson’s road to Ottawa was unconventional. Before being traded to the Senators for a fifth-round pick days later, the Toronto Maple Leafs first acquired him from the Philadelphia Flyers in a salary-cap-related deal.

The quick turnaround has led some observers to question if Ottawa was ever truly committed to the Swedish goaltender in the long term.

What makes Samuel Ersson attractive on the free-agent market

Ersson, a fifth-round pick in 2018, has developed into a reliable NHL goaltender. He was a promising young player with the Philadelphia Flyers and has played in over 100 NHL games during his career.With several teams expected to be in the market for more goaltending depth this summer, the Senators could be facing stiff competition if talks don’t lead to a new deal before free agency opens.