Why Leevi Meraläinen is crucial to the Ottawa Senators moving forward

Remember the name. Normally putting such expectations on someone can cause them to falter and not live up to them. Leevi Merälainen has given us every reason to watch out for him this coming season.

12 of his 14 career NHL games came last season playing as a backup to Linus Ullmark. In those 12 games he was outstanding. The 23-year-old from Oulu, Finland was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

Meralainen’s Junior career

For the majority of his junior career, Meraläinen played in Finland for Kärpät U16, U18, and U20. In his D+2 season he played for the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL. Playing for Finland at the World Juniors that season as well.

The next season he was loaned back to Kärpät playing for their main team in Liiga, the premier league in Finland. He impressed so much that the Senators brought him back to North America to play in both the NHL and the AHL.

Pro career

In the 2023–24 season Meraläinen played for the Belleville Senators in the AHL and a stint with the Allen Americans of the ECHL. His stats were good and as he continued to improve upon his game he was ready for proper stints in the NHL.

Last season, 2024–25 he began the season with Belleville playing 37 games. He registered a 2.37 goals-against-average and a .913 save percentage. He was then brought up to the big team, going 8–3–1 with a 1.99 goals-against-average and a .925 save percentage.

His first game last season with the Ottawa Senators was against the Vancouver Canucks on December 21, 2024. Facing 25 shots, he made 21 saves for a .840 save percentage for a 5–4 overtime win. After his first few games, he settled in and began truly playing great.

On January 11 he backstopped the Sens to his first career NHL shutout making 29 saves winning 5–0 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He later registered two more shutouts against the New York Islanders on January 14, a 2–0 win, and the Minnesota Wild on February 1, a 6–0 win, his last with the team this season.

How he succeeds for the upcoming season

He understands the basics of the game and his fundamentals are incredibly solid. With his 6’3″, 186lb frame, he is quick on his feet and very agile. He moves across his crease effortlessly allowing himself to get set into position. His athleticism is also what allows him to be so good. His gloves are rapidly quick, and he covers his crease exceptionally.

What comes next

Just like the rest of the Senators core, Meraläinen is incredibly young. At just 23, he is almost certain to be on the opening night roster. He still has tons of room to grow and iron out any inconsistencies in his game. The Senators also have a strong blue line helping out the netminder, giving him every chance to succeed. Leevi Meraläinen is a player to keep your eye on in this upcoming campaign.