Patrik Kerkola, born on March 29, 2007, is a Finnish goaltender currently eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing around 194 pounds, Kerkola presents a substantial presence in the net. He catches with his left hand and has been playing in the KalPa system, most recently with their U20 team in the U20 SM-sarja.
Early Career and Development
Kerkola has progressed through the KalPa junior ranks, showcasing his talent at various levels. He debuted in Liiga, the top Finnish men’s professional league, becoming the youngest goaltender ever to do so. He also gained experience with IPK Iisalmi in Mestis, the second-highest league in Finland, and has represented Finland in international junior tournaments. His statistics reflect his journey through these leagues, providing a glimpse into his development.
Strengths
Kerkola's strengths lie in his size, athleticism, and composure. He fills the net well, utilizing his frame to cover a lot of net and make difficult saves. Scouts have noted his quick reflexes and lateral movement, which allow him to move effectively across the crease. He tracks the puck well, maintaining good positioning even during chaotic sequences. His glove hand is particularly strong, and he demonstrates an ability to control rebounds effectively. He employs a hybrid style, blending butterfly and stand-up techniques depending on the situation. He remains calm under pressure, avoiding over-commitment and making smart decisions, even when facing high-danger scoring opportunities. Some scouting reports highlight his ability to cut down angles on initial shots and his anticipation of plays. Kerkola demonstrates solid skating ability, facilitating quick pushes and recoveries in the crease, especially on cross-ice plays.
Weaknesses
Despite his strengths, Kerkola has areas needing refinement. One recurring concern is his consistency. While he displays flashes of brilliance, he sometimes struggles with weak low goals, particularly in the five-hole area. Some scouts have pointed out that he can "play small" at times, not fully utilizing his size to its maximum advantage. His puck-handling skills could also be improved; increased confidence and effectiveness in this area would help his team transition from defense to offense more smoothly. Knowing when to stand tall to protect the upper portion of the net and refining his blocker-side technique are also areas for potential growth. Some scouting reports indicate that Kerkola sometimes sits too deep in his crease, opening up unnecessary holes for shooters. Early in the 2024-25 season, his save percentage with KalPa's U20 team was a concerning .850.
International Play
Kerkola's international appearances have been a mixed bag. At the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he demonstrated good mobility and tracked shots effectively, keeping Finland competitive in several games. However, inconsistencies have also been apparent, with struggles against top teams like Canada and Sweden in the U18 World Junior Championship. Despite the challenges, he has gained valuable experience, facing a high volume of shots due to the state of Finland's prospect pool.
NHL Potential
Overall, Patrik Kerkola possesses the fundamental tools to develop into a reliable goaltender at the professional level. His combination of size, athleticism, and composure provides a solid foundation. Continued development, particularly in addressing his weaknesses related to consistency, puck-handling, and utilizing his size, will be crucial for his NHL prospects. Some scouts view him as a potential mid-round pick, while others suggest he could be a late-round sleeper. His experience in the Liiga and his international exposure provide him with a valuable foundation as he aims to make his mark in the NHL.
