Leevi Merilainen

Leevi Merilainen, a promising goaltender hailing from Oulu, Finland, has made a notable entry into the NHL with the Ottawa Senators. Born on August 13, 2002, Merilainen stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 158 pounds, showcasing the physical attributes desirable for a goaltender at the professional level. Drafted in the third round as the 71st overall pick by the Senators in 2020, his journey from a draft pick to an active roster member reflects his potential and the organization's confidence in his abilities. Merilainen's career highlights and stats offer insight into his development and impact on the ice. Despite being in the early stages of his NHL career, he has already shown glimpses of his potential to become a key player for the Senators. In the 2022 regular season, Merilainen played in 2 games, where he faced 49 shots and made 43 saves, demonstrating a save percentage of .878. Although he recorded 1 loss and 1 overtime loss, his performance underlines his ability to handle the pressure that comes with the goaltender position. His goaltending stats improved in the 2023 preseason, with a save percentage of .938 from 16 shots against in 1 game, indicating his growth and adaptation to the NHL's pace and level of competition. Merilainen's playing style and position as a goaltender are crucial to understanding his role and contributions on the team. Goalies are the last line of defense, and their performance can significantly influence the outcome of a game. With his left-handed catching hand, Leevi adds to the diversity in goaltending styles, potentially offering different challenges for opposing shooters used to goaltenders who catch with their right hand. Leevi Merilainen's early life and background in Finland, coupled with his draft year experiences, set the stage for his transition to the NHL. His progression from being a draft pick to making his NHL debut showcases the journey young players undergo in their quest to become professional athletes. As Merilainen continues to develop, the Senators and their fans will eagerly watch his growth, hoping he becomes a cornerstone of the team's goaltending future.