The Oilers announced they’ve signed defenseman Atro Leppänen to a two-way extension. The deal carries an $850K NHL salary for 2026-27 with a $360K minors salary and a $400K guarantee, per PuckPedia. He would have become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Leppänen, 27, landed in North America for the first time last April when Edmonton inked him to a one-year entry-level deal. While he didn’t win a spot on the Oilers’ roster in training camp, the veteran of 10 professional seasons in Europe accepted an assignment to AHL Bakersfield.
The 6’0″ lefty has been a revelation for Edmonton’s minor-league defense corps, which lacks much puck-moving ability. Despite only playing in 28 of Bakersfield’s 43 contests, he leads their defense in scoring with 20 points (three goals, 17 assists) – although his -5 rating is tied for the worst among Bakersfield rearguards.
It’s largely what was expected out of Leppänen after the previously unheralded Finn exploded for 21 goals and 63 points in 60 games for Liiga’s Sport last season, just his second year in Finland’s top flight after spending most of his pro career in lower-level domestic leagues. Two-way play wasn’t his strong suit in Europe, either.
He’d only ever grade out as a power-play specialist if he lands a recall, but it’s evident he’s happy with the fit in the Oilers’ system and lands a nice AHL pay raise to stick around, up from the minimal $85K he’s making as an entry-level player.