The Ottawa Senators have secured goaltender Kevin Reidler with a two-year entry-level contract, effective earlier this week. This announcement was made during Monday’s press release by the team. Reidler, who is 21 years old, demonstrated his skills with an impressive record of 11 wins and 7 losses, alongside a goals-against average of 3.31 and a save percentage of .901 while playing 18 games for the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2025-26 college season.
Overview of Reidler’s Career
Reidler’s journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Senators in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, securing the 151st overall pick. The Swedish goaltender, who stands at 6 feet 6 inches tall, previously played with AIK’s U20 team in Sweden, where he achieved a 14-16-0 record and a .911 save percentage over 32 games during the 2022-23 season.
Progression in North America
- Started North American career with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints.
- Achieved a record of 27-5-6, including three shutouts in 39 games during the 2023-24 season.
- Named to Team Sweden for the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship but did not participate in matches.
- Moved to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the 2024-25 season as a backup goaltender.
- Transferred to Penn State for his sophomore year, sharing goaltending duties with Joshua Fleming.
Joining the Senators
Kevin Reidler will join the Belleville Senators on an amateur tryout deal for the remainder of the current season. His entry-level contract will officially take effect in the 2026-27 season. As the Senators navigate a transitional period in their goaltending lineup, Reidler is one of the few secure options moving forward.
Future Goaltending Outlook
The Senators are currently assessing their goaltending prospects. Leevi Merilainen and Mads Sogaard are both set to become restricted free agents this summer, leaving uncertainty about their future with the team. Presently, only three goaltenders, including Linus Ullmark, Jackson Parsons, and Reidler, are under contract for the upcoming season.
Reidler’s potential and performance will be closely watched as he integrates into the Senators’ organizational framework.
