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Petteri Rimpinen, Team Finland (Photo credit: Pasi Mennander)

Petteri Rimpinen – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Matthew Buhrmann | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 3:04 AM ET

Petteri Rimpinen

2024-25 Team: Kiekko-Espoo (Liiga)
Date of Birth: April 25, 2006
Place of Birth: Kirkkonummi, Finland
Ht: 6-foot-0 Wt: 176 pounds
Catches: Left
Position: Goaltender
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 second-year eligible

Rankings

McKeen’s Hockey: 84th
THW/Baracchini’s Top 96 March Rankings: 77th
NHL Central Scouting (International Goaltenders): 8th

Petteri Rimpinen’s journey to the 2025 NHL Entry Draft has been a steady climb built on his skill and athleticism between the pipes. The Finnish netminder has spent years honing his craft, moving through the country’s junior ranks before making a name for himself on the professional stage.

It all started with the Blues’ U16 team, where his talent was evident even in limited action. His breakout came with Kiekko-Espoo U16, posting a 2.33 goals-against average (GAA) and .924 save percentage (SV%) over a dozen games. From there, he climbed to the U18 level, proving himself against stronger competition with an impressive 1.67 GAA and .933 SV% in 15 games, before shining in the playoffs with a 2.14 GAA and .941 SV% as his team made a deep run.

By 2022-23, Rimpinen was splitting time between TPS U18 and TPS U20, where he continued to prove his reliability. His 1.65 GAA and .944 SV% in the U18 SM-sarja showed he was among the best in his age group, while a 1.75 GAA and .931 SV% in the U20 SM-sarja demonstrated his ability to handle faster, stronger opponents. Internationally, he suited up for Finland at the U16, U17, and U18 levels, gaining valuable experience on the world stage.

The 2023-24 season was a turning point, as Rimpinen graduated to Mestis, Finland’s second-tier professional league. He adjusted quickly, putting up a 1.94 GAA and .925 SV% in 14 regular-season games, then stepping up even further in the playoffs with a 1.82 GAA and .926 SV% over 11 games. With his stock rising, Rimpinen earned a spot in the Liiga the following season, Finland’s top pro league, where he played 40 games, posting a 2.35 GAA and .912 SV%, along with two shutouts. His playoff numbers showed his ability to rise to the occasion, as he maintained a 2.71 GAA and .920 SV% in five postseason games.

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship was Rimpinen’s defining moment in the hockey world. Suiting up for Finland, he backstopped his country to a silver medal with an elite 2.34 GAA and .933 SV% in seven tournament games, earning a spot on the All-Star team and being named Best Goaltender by the IIHF Directorate. His performance turned the heads of many scouts, driving up his draft stock immensely, especially after his big 4-3 overtime win over Team USA in the opening round. Team USA later got their revenge in the gold medal game, winning 4-3 in overtime over Team Finland, despite a great performance from Rimpinen in net.

Petteri Rimpinen – NHL Draft Projection

Once overlooked in the 2024 NHL Draft, Rimpinen has since built a compelling case to be selected in 2025. His combination of size, athletic ability, and big-time performances makes him one of the top draft-eligible goaltenders, with many scouts projecting him as a second- or third-round pick.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Quotables

“He is a hyper-athletic goaltender with a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He attacks shooters with an aggressive play-style, moving to the top of his crease whenever possible. Rimpinen, who went undrafted in his first year of eligibility, has also demonstrated incredible tracking habits.” – David Phillips, FC Hockey

“The past month and a half has made sure that Petteri Rimpinen isn’t going to go undrafted twice. He had already put his name on the radar through his Liiga play, but a fantastic effort at the World Juniors sealed the deal.” – Lassi Alanen, Elite Prospects

Strengths

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

Goaltenders are tricky to project with so little being drafted in each class, and Rimpinen is no exception. His talent, athleticism, and tracking ability give him NHL potential, but his transition to North American hockey, with smaller rinks, faster pace, and more physical play, will be key.

If drafted in 2025, Rimpinen will likely play somewhere in North America soon, whether in the NCAA or jumping straight into pro hockey. With the right development, he could become a solid pro goalie in three to four seasons, but where he plays next will shape that timeline. Whether it’s college, the American Hockey League/ECHL (an NHL system), his future is bright—the “when” is the question.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk – 2.5/5, Reward – 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Goaltending – 7.5/10