EDMONTON – When in doubt, bank on skill.
Players can score points in the NHL when they put themselves in the right place at the right time, but there still needs to be enough skill to put the puck in the back of the net.
That’s why the Edmonton Oilers‘ philosophy behind their recent string of undrafted prospect signings is fascinating.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.
And that’s what makes Atro Leppanen fascinating, as well.
The Oilers have been busy this April, signing Damien Carfagna, Josh Samanski, and David Tomasek. They now add Leppanen to the mix.
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Leppanen had a phenomenal season in the Liiga. The 6-foot defender recorded 63 points in 60 games, the highest total among all defenders this season.
But it doesn’t stop there. Leppanen’s 63 points are now the new single-season record for points by a defenseman in the Liiga. Brian Rafalski’s 53 points were the previous record.
The 26-year-old will certainly make his way to the Bakersfield Condors, who are running out of warm bodies to put on the ice.
The #Oilers have signed defenceman Atro Leppänen to a one-year entry-level contract for the 2025-26 season. The 26-year-old led Finland’s Liiga in scoring this year, setting a record for points by a blueliner with 63.
Learn more about Leppänen ⤵️ https://t.co/fd9d3oIDK6
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 13, 2025
Leppanen signed a one-year entry-level contract worth $975,000. It includes a base salary of $877,500 and a $97,500 signing bonus. His contract begins next season.
One report describes Leppanen as having “legitimate NHL offense” and “tremendous puck skills.” The same report says the defender must work greatly on his defensive game.
Banking on skill is a good strategy. And unlike drafting, the wait to get an NHL player is shorter with a 26-year-old than an 18-year-old.
Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.
EDMONTON – When in doubt, bank on skill.
Players can score points in the NHL when they put themselves in the right place at the right time, but there still needs to be enough skill to put the puck in the back of the net.
That’s why the Edmonton Oilers‘ philosophy behind their recent string of undrafted prospect signings is fascinating.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.
And that’s what makes Atro Leppanen fascinating, as well.
The Oilers have been busy this April, signing Damien Carfagna, Josh Samanski, and David Tomasek. They now add Leppanen to the mix.
Trending Oilers Stories
Oilers Injury Report: Leon Draisaitl & Trent Frederic
Oilers Evander Kane & Fiancee Make Big Announcement
Oilers Reveal Status Of Ekholm & Hyman
Corey Perry Tackled By Jordan Binnington
Leppanen had a phenomenal season in the Liiga. The 6-foot defender recorded 63 points in 60 games, the highest total among all defenders this season.
But it doesn’t stop there. Leppanen’s 63 points are now the new single-season record for points by a defenseman in the Liiga. Brian Rafalski’s 53 points were the previous record.
The 26-year-old will certainly make his way to the Bakersfield Condors, who are running out of warm bodies to put on the ice.
The #Oilers have signed defenceman Atro Leppänen to a one-year entry-level contract for the 2025-26 season. The 26-year-old led Finland’s Liiga in scoring this year, setting a record for points by a blueliner with 63.
Learn more about Leppänen ⤵️ https://t.co/fd9d3oIDK6
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 13, 2025
Leppanen signed a one-year entry-level contract worth $975,000. It includes a base salary of $877,500 and a $97,500 signing bonus. His contract begins next season.
One report describes Leppanen as having “legitimate NHL offense” and “tremendous puck skills.” The same report says the defender must work greatly on his defensive game.
Banking on skill is a good strategy. And unlike drafting, the wait to get an NHL player is shorter with a 26-year-old than an 18-year-old.
Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.
