Born Mar 17, 2008 · Tuusula, Finland — Drafted 2026 · Rd 3, #21 overall
| SEASON | GP | W | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 14 | 6 | 3.28 | .892 | 0 |
| CAREER | 14 | 6 | 3.28 | .892 | 0 |
Juuso Ainasto
Toronto Maple Leafs
2026 NHL Draft · No. 85 overall
2025-26 Season
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | OT | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Jokerit U20 (FIN-JR) | 14 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 3.28 | .892 | 0 |
| Career | 14 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 3.28 | .892 | 0 |
Juuso Ainasto is a goaltender selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (85th overall) of the 2026 NHL Draft — and a genuine late bloomer: he has never represented Finland at any level, unusual for a drafted European goalie. A product of small-club KJT in Kerava, just north of Helsinki, he was picked up by storied Jokerit's under-18 program in 2024-25.
That timing is its own story. Jokerit collapsed and went bankrupt after withdrawing from the KHL in 2022, then was revived by a group including club youth products Teuvo Teräväinen and Esa Lindell; the team is set to return to Finland's top-tier Liiga in 2026-27, and Ainasto is among the first NHL picks out of the rebuilt program. He dominated Finnish U18 — a 1.74 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage — before a tougher stint at U20.
Elite Prospects, which made him a favourite of its goalie scouts, waved off his modest U20 numbers: "we don't really weigh results... it's more about the process, and Ainasto's process is solid."
This page gathers Ainasto's measurements and draft details in one place. InGoal Magazine will expand its coverage as his career develops.
People Are Asking About Juuso Ainasto
Who drafted Juuso Ainasto?
Juuso Ainasto was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft (Round 3, No. 85 overall).
What team does Juuso Ainasto play for?
Juuso Ainasto plays for the Jokerit Jr. in Finland’s U20 league.
How big is Juuso Ainasto?
Juuso Ainasto is listed at 6’4″, 198 pounds, and catches left.
Where is Juuso Ainasto from?
Juuso Ainasto was born in Tuusula, Finland.
How old is Juuso Ainasto?
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