Merilainen, 18, played the 2020-21 season with Karpat in Finland's SM-sarja junior U20 league and earned a record of 21-0-3 to lead the league in wins while posting team highs in save percentage (.928) and in goals-against average (1.71). He also registered a league-high six shutout victories.
"Leevi made significant strides in his development while playing with a strong program at Karpat last season," said Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. "He plays big in the net, maintains a controlled style and is on the right path to continuously improve as he builds additional strength and gains more experience. It's our hope to see him play for Finland at the next world junior championship."
A native of Oulu, Finland, Merilainen spent the 2019-20 campaign with Karpat in Finland's SM-liiga junior U20 league where he recorded 11 wins over 16 contests, a .908 save percentage and a 2.29 goals-against average. He made his U20 post-season debut following the 2020-21 season and earned a record of 1-2 over three playoff contests.
Merilainen was the Senators' third-round pick (71st overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Visit the Senators website: www.ottawasenators.com
Engage with the Senators on Twitter: @Senators
Like the Senators on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ottawasenators
Follow the Senators on Instagram: senators
- end -
