Getting put on waivers is never fun. But netminder Leevi Meriläinen is excited about the opportunity to play in the NHL and happy that the organization believes in what he can do.
The Finnish goalie recently turned 24 and spent his entire pro career with the Ottawa Senators organization until last week, when the Canucks claimed him off waivers. He didn’t know what to think at first after spending four-ish seasons with the Sens, but the excitement came when he realized that the Canucks wanted him to be a part of their NHL tandem to begin the 2026-27 season.
Meriläinen has made 32 NHL starts and was excellent in 2024-25, posting an 8-3-1 record with a .925% save percentage, a 1.99 goals-against average, and three shutouts. He then split time between the NHL and AHL with the Sens organization last season and is looking to take the next step in his career with the Canucks.
“I want to get consistent with it,” said Meriläinen. “Play games consistently, play well, and help the team as best as I can, and see where that leads me.”
He was called into action on Thursday night against the Oilers and stopped 10 of the 11 shots he faced to keep the game close enough for the Canucks to get within a pair of goals late in the game.
Meriläinen immediately noticed the passion from the fans in the building, noting that they had a heck of a pop when he made a big glove save in the third period. He said the team will play better in front of them as the season goes on, but it was cool to get a taste of the fan base’s excitement at Rogers Arena.
Coming to Vancouver is easier for Meriläinen because there is a familiar face in the room.
Aatu Räty and Meriläinen were both born in Oulu, Finland, and the pair of Finns have been on the ice together since they were seven or eight years old. “We were on the ice together in skating school,” said Meriläinen with a smile. “It’s [Kärpät’s] program there.”
Goaltending coach Marko Torenius is from Helsinki, Finland, and Meriläinen is enjoying the all-Finnish goalie crew with Kevin Lankinen rounding out the trio. “It’s been a little bit weird talking Finnish all the time out there on the ice. It’s good though. Marko has been great. He’s giving me some good tips early on,” he said with a laugh.
“I knew about Kevin Lankinen and knew how good of a goalie he is, and just excited to work with him.”
He is working on getting some new gear with Canucks colours, and talked a bit about his early idea for a new goalie mask.
“I’m working on that for sure,” he said. “On the sides, I like the Finnish lion, but other than that it will be something to do with Vancouver, something to do with Canucks for sure. Maybe some orcas.”
Meriläinen should get into action over the weekend as the Canucks play back-to-back against the Calgary Flames and Vegas Golden Knights. He is looking to take a step forward in his young career and make his game more consistent this season.
