Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has signed undrafted Finnish defenseman Atro Leppänen to a 1-year deal that begins next year.
The Edmonton Oilers are already looking ahead to next year, signing a young player that they anticipate making a case to be on their roster.
General manager Stan Bowman has inked 26 year old Finnish defenseman Atro Leppänen to a 1-year deal that kicks off in 2025-26.
Per Oilers radio colour commentator Bob Stauffer, the Oilers beat out a handful of other unnamed NHL teams for Leppänen's services.
Despite being a defenseman, Leppänen is known for his offensive capabilities. While playing for Vaasan Sport in Finland's Liiga this year, he led all players in scoring with 63 points (21G, 42A) in 60 games before adding another 3 helpers in 8 postseason games.
His 42 assists led all players, while his 21 goals ranked 2nd overall among all skaters.
Not only did he lead the league in scoring, but he also set the new record for scoring by a defenseman.
He's played in 115 total games in Liiga, collecting 91 points (33G, 58A). Before that, he played 51 games with Kiekko-Espoo in Mestis, the 2nd highest men's ice hockey league in Finland. He had 58 points (23G, 35A) in 51 games.
He becomes the latest player the Oilers have signed for next year this weekend; they signed Quinn Hutson, the older brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman and Calder Memorial Trophy contender Lane Hutson, to a 2-year entry level contract beginning next year.
Additionally, the Oilers have also signed goaltender Samuel Jonsson, the 2024-25 HockeyAllsvenskan Goalie of the Year, to a 3-year entry level deal.
