Finnish NHL prospect rising to a big role? “He should have earned a spot last season”
Leevi Meriläinen showed promising performances in goal for the Ottawa Senators last season, as the 22-year-old goaltender played in 12 games in the NHL.
With impressive stats of 1.99 and 92.5%, Meriläinen is ready to take a new step this season and become the Senators’ backup behind star goaltender Linus Ullmark. This is the assessment made by The Hockey News in its article.
– He saved the Senators in his 12 games, which is making him a full-time backup for Ottawa. He showed clear potential and can now help Ullmark find the best version of himself. Meriläinen has become the brightest goaltending prospect for the Senators due to his size and technical skills, the hockey bible praises.
Last season, the obstacle to Meriläinen’s permanent NHL spot was Anton Forsberg, who played under a one-way contract.
– Meriläinen could play 25-30 games next season, which would also give Ullmark the opportunity to stay fresh as the playoffs approach, the magazine estimates.
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