leevi meriläinen

Leevi Meriläinen is a rising star in the world of ice hockey, particularly known for his impressive performances as a goaltender for the Ottawa Senators in the NHL
1
. Born on August 13, 2002, in Oulu, Finland, Meriläinen has quickly made a name for himself with his remarkable skills and determination
2
.
Meriläinen was drafted 71st overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft
1
. Before making his mark in North America, he played for Oulun Kärpät in Finland’s top-tier Liiga and the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
2
. His journey to the NHL was marked by impressive performances, including a .934 save percentage in the 2020–21 season with Kärpät’s Under-20 team
2
.
In the 2021–22 season, Meriläinen joined the Kingston Frontenacs, where he experienced mixed results but still managed to become one of the league leaders in wins and saves
2
. Despite some challenges, his potential was evident, and he returned to Finland to play for Kärpät again in the 2022–23 season
2
. There, he established himself as the team’s starter, posting a 2.02 goals against average and a .918 save percentage, setting the league record for most shutouts by a rookie with eight
2
.
Meriläinen’s NHL career began in earnest when he was called up to the Ottawa Senators in late December 2024 due to injuries to Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg
1
. He made his season debut with a tough 5-4 overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks and quickly showed that he could handle the pressure of the NHL game
1
. His standout performance came in mid-January 2025, when he recorded a 29-save shutout in a 5-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking his first NHL shutout
1
.
Since then, Meriläinen has continued to impress, posting a 4-2-0 record with a 2.34 GAA and a .913 save percentage
1
. His ability to step up in high-pressure situations and his steady development have made him a crucial part of the Senators’ goaltending rotation
1
. With Ullmark’s return on the horizon, the question remains whether Meriläinen can maintain his performance and secure a more permanent role with the team
1
.
Meriläinen’s journey is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and dedication to the sport. As he continues to develop and gain experience, he has the potential to become a reliable NHL goaltender and a key player for the Ottawa Senators
1
.
For more information and updates on Leevi Meriläinen, you can check out this YouTube video that highlights his journey and recent performances.
Is there anything specific you’d like to know more about regarding Leevi Meriläinen?
1
Yardbarker
2
en.wikipedia.org