Leevi Merilainen

Leevi Merilainen, a promising goaltender from Oulu, Finland, has made a name for himself in the NHL as an active member of the Ottawa Senators. Born on August 13, 2002, Merilainen was drafted in the third round, 71st overall, by the Senators in the 2020 NHL Draft. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 196 pounds, he uses his left hand to guard the net. Merilainen began his NHL career in the 2025 season, donning jersey number 1. In his rookie year, he played 20 games, securing 8 wins with a save percentage of 0.86. Despite facing 457 shots, he made 393 saves, showcasing his potential with an average goals against of 3.51 per game. His performance included notable time on ice, with 902 minutes at even strength and 105 minutes on powerplay. Throughout his early career, Merilainen has demonstrated resilience and skill in the crease. His ability to maintain focus under pressure is evident in his 36 saves during his first two games, despite challenging circumstances. As he continues to develop, Merilainen's contributions to the Senators make him a player to watch in the league.