‘It was just an overwhelming feeling of happiness’: Kevin Reidler on signing with Senators
This article first appeared on hockeysverige.se and has been translated from Swedish to English.
Kevin Reidler arrived in North America in 2023 with a clear objective: to make the NHL.
Three seasons later, the 21-year-old Swedish goaltender has taken a major step toward that goal, signing his entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators — the team that drafted him in 2022.
Reidler will report directly to the Senators’ AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, on an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO) to close out the season.
Speaking to hockeysverige.se while driving from the Toronto area to Belleville, Reidler described the moment he learned the deal was done.
“It was just an overwhelming feeling of happiness,” Reidler said. “I didn’t really have time to process it in the moment — it was more just pure pride and joy.”
The grandson of Swedish hockey great Håkan Wickberg admitted the reality of signing his first NHL contract didn’t fully hit him until later.
“There were a lot of thoughts leading up to the decision,” he said. “Then, after talking to my agent and realizing it was a done deal, it was just a huge sense of relief, happiness, and pride. A few hours later, it started to sink in. You reflect on the ups and downs and realize how far you’ve come — but at the same time, the hard work is only just beginning.”
While Reidler had maintained steady communication with Ottawa since being drafted, the timing of the contract still caught him slightly off guard.
“I’ve had a really good relationship with Ottawa throughout my time in the organization. There’s been a clear plan,” he said. “But I’d still say it was a bit of a surprise that it happened right now. At the same time, this has been the goal all along, so it feels great.”
Reidler enters a competitive goaltending pipeline that includes Linus Ullmark, James Reimer, Mads Søgaard, and Leevi Meriläinen — but he’s not shying away from the challenge.
“My goal is to come in and prove that I belong in this organization,” he said. “I want to show that I can take big steps and eventually make it to the NHL.”
“So far, I haven’t focused too much on the competition. It’s more about getting there, competing, proving myself, and showing that I have the potential to be the best.”
As for whether he’ll see AHL action this season, that remains to be seen.
“We’ll see what happens,” he said. “Right now it’s about getting there, showing what I can do, and making the most of the opportunity. Then we’ll see if I get into any games.”
Looking ahead to next season, the goal is straightforward.
“The goal is to earn a spot on the AHL team and build from there.”
Reidler spent the 2025–26 season at Penn State University, posting 11 wins in 18 appearances while splitting time with fellow netminder Josh Fleming.
“It’s been a bit of an up-and-down season,” he said. “But I’m really proud and grateful to have played with such great teammates. Obviously, we’re disappointed with how it ended.”
“Personally, splitting time with another really good goalie pushed me, and I take a lot of positives and great memories from the season.”
Ottawa, meanwhile, has remained closely involved in his development.
“They’ve been happy with my progress,” Reidler said. “I’ve followed a clear plan and had access to great resources — strength coaches, sports psychologists, goalie coaches.”
“When you put all those details together, it makes a big difference. I feel like I’ve taken big steps, and Ottawa sees it the same way.”
Reidler has come a long way since 2022, when he followed the NHL Draft from his home in Stockholm, unsure if his name would be called.
“If I got drafted, it was more of a bonus,” he said at the time.
Now, three years later, he sees a clear difference in himself.
“I think it’s maturity — both as a person and a goalie,” Reidler said. “I’ve spent three years in the U.S., learned the style of play on smaller ice, and improved my communication.”
“I also understand much more about what it takes to be a pro, and that’s helped me prepare better.”
At Penn State, Reidler also had a front-row seat to one of hockey’s brightest young stars: 2026 draft-eligible forward Gavin McKenna.
The 18-year-old Canadian, coming off a 14-point performance at the World Juniors, has generated massive attention — something Reidler witnessed firsthand.
“There’s been huge interest around the team, especially with McKenna coming in,” he said. “You notice it everywhere — from students to professors to people in the community. Everyone knows who you are.”
Reidler didn’t hesitate when asked about McKenna’s talent.
“He’s extremely skilled,” he said. “An offensive player who sees the game in a way I haven’t seen before.”
“It’s hard to imagine any NHL team passing on him. But what stands out too is how humble and kind he is. When you’re around him, you wouldn’t think he’s a superstar.”
“It’s also impressive to see how hard he works at such a young age, especially with all the pressure he’s already faced.”
With his first pro stint about to begin, Reidler already has a clear blueprint for the summer.
“It’s simple — hard work,” he said. “I’ve got a solid plan for both on-ice and off-ice training.”
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