Leevi Merilainen

June 2022 – This season, the now 20-year-old Merilainen played in North America, plying his trade in the OHL with the high-scoring Kingston Frontenacs for the whole season. He played 53 games in the regular season with a 3.29 GAA and a 89.1 save percentage along with 11 playoff games with a 3.69 GAA and a 88.8 save percentage. Although he played well in the five games he played with Finland U20s,  I’m not sure his game is ready for the AHL, so he might need to see what his options are back home in Finland for next season if Ottawa doesn’t extend a contract yet. Grant Campbell

July 2021- After being relatively unknown in his draft year, Merilainen had a fantastic D+1 year with the Karpat U20 team, posted a very respectable .934 save percentage. He also recently committed to the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL for the 2021-2022 season, so Merilainen will be moving his game over to the North American ice earlier than expected. Expect him to have a standout year both in the OHL and with Finland on the international stage prior to transitioning his game to the pro level. Jacob Barker