Patrik Kerkola – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Internationally, he played for Finland U17, including the World Hockey Challenge, finishing with a 3.20 GAA and .904 SV% in four games.

In 2024–25, Kerkola took on a bigger role with KalPa U20, playing 31 regular season games with a 3.14 GAA and .883 SV%. He stepped up in the playoffs, going 7-4-0 with a 2.44 GAA and .905 SV% in 11 games, including one shutout. He made another Liiga appearance (3.13 GAA, .842 SV%) and played one game in the Mestis (2.93 GAA, .880 SV%). On the international side, he played five games for Finland at the U18 World Championship, posting a 2.44 GAA and .886 SV%. Across all U18 international games that season, he went 7-7-0 with a 2.61 GAA and .903 SV%, including two shutouts.

He also played three games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he had a 2.32 GAA and .912 SV%.

Kerkola’s a long-term project with good upside. If he can clean up his rebound control and tighten up his five-hole coverage, there’s something to work with. The size and want are there, now it’s just about how he adjusts and develops from here.

Patrik Kerkola – NHL Draft Projection

I’d take Kerkola in the fourth to sixth rounds. He’s got good size, solid experience, and some long-term upside. He’s played in Liiga, Mestis, U20 playoffs, and international games, so he’s been tested. He still needs to clean up a few areas, but there’s something to work with if a team’s patient.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Quotables

“Kerkola is a sizeable goaltender with some solid technique and physical talent. He fills out the net really well, looking massive in his crease even when he hunches into a lower stance. His long limbs aid his game, too, allowing him to make desperation saves. He’s got a massive wingspan, too.” – Aaron Vickers, FC Hockey

“Kerkola will do anything he can to save the puck. He never quits on a play, and he makes a variety of desperation saves throughout any game. His never-quit attitude is also evident in how he pounces on every rebound he allows. While Kerkola mostly directs pucks into non-dangerous areas, on the few occasions he lets rebounds out in front, he is always the first to react and secure them.” – David Phillips, FC Hockey

Strengths

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

Kerkola is one of the top goalie prospects in his draft class and made history last season as the youngest goalie ever to start a Liiga game. He’ll be back with KalPa in the Liiga for the 2025–26 season, which gives him a full season to develop against pro shooters. After this, if he can adjust to the North American style—smaller rinks, faster pace—he could become an NHL starter down the line.

More likely, Kerkola projects as an everyday American Hockey League starter with some upside. He’s already played in the Liiga, Mestis, U20 playoffs, and international tournaments, so the experience is there.

Risk/Reward Analysis

Risk – 3.5/5, Reward – 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Goaltending – 7.5/10

Awards/Achievements

Interviews/Links

Patrik Kerkola Stats

Videos