After playing for Ilves in his youth, Leinonen moved to JYP Jyväskylä's Under-16 program.[4] He played for the JYP Under-16 team in 2018-19, and the Under-18 team in 2019-20. After playing 15 for the Under-20 team in 2020-21, Leinonen played 21 games for the Under-20 team in the 2021-22 season and played 4 games in Liiga for the senior team.[5][6]
Going into the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Leinonen was regarded as the top goaltending prospect[7] and was ranked as the top European goalie by NHL Central Scouting.[8] He was drafted 41st overall by the Buffalo Sabres, as the first goaltender selected in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.[3] He attended Buffalo Sabres Development Camp in 2022, 2023, and 2024.[9][10]
Leinonen joined Mora IK in the HockeyAllsvenskan in the 2024-25 season.[11] He played 25 games for Mora where he recorded a 2.31 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.[5] On March 28, 2025, the Buffalo Sabres signed Leinonen to a 3-year, entry-level contract to begin in the 2025-26 season.[12] He reported to the Rochester Americans on a professional tryout agreement for the remainder of the 2024-25 season before being released from the PTO in May.[13][1]
In 2025–26, Leinonen played 7 games with the Rochester Americans, where he recorded a 3.11 goals against average and a 3—3—0 record.[14] On 4 February 2026, Leinonen was reassigned to the Jacksonville Icemen, the ECHL affiliate of the Sabres.[15]
Leinonen represented Finland at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships,[18] where he recorded a 2.61 goals against average and a .897 save percentage in 5 games played.[5]
Personal life
Leinonen is the son of former Finnish ice hockey goaltender Tero Leinonen.[5]
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