On Sunday (Apr. 13), the Edmonton Oilers announced they had signed undrafted free agent defender Atro Leppänen to a one-year entry-level contract that begins in the 2025-26 season.
There is no indication, currently, that he will be joining the organization immediately on an ATO with either of the Oilers’ minor-league affiliates. Leppänen joins a long list of free agents the Oilers have brought in this season, including David Tomasek, Josh Samanski, and Damien Carfagna.
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.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 13, 2025
Learn more about Leppänen ⤵️ https://t.co/fd9d3oIDK6
Leppänen, who is 23 years old, is coming off a strong season for Vaasan Sport in Finland’s Liiga, scoring 21 goals and adding 42 assists for 63 points through 60 games, which set an all-time Liiga record for points by a defender. Through two seasons with Vaasan Sport in the Liiga, he scored 33 goals and added 58 assists for 91 points through 115 games, which comes out to a 0.79 points-per-game average.
Leppänen stands 6-feet, 183 pounds, and his 42 assists this season was the best among defenders in the Liiga, while his 21 goals ranked second in the league among defenders.
As the 2024-25 season moves along, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news from around the NHL and the hockey world.
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