The Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their defensive lineup with a focus on offensive capabilities.
Finnish defenseman Atro Leppanen has signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Oilers for the upcoming season, as announced by the team on Sunday.
Leppanen, aged 26, comes to Edmonton after an impressive season with Vaasan Sport in Finland`s Liiga. In 60 games, he scored 21 goals and set a new league record for points by a defenseman with a total of 63.
His playmaking ability was also evident, as his 42 assists were the highest among all defenders in the league, while his 21 goals were second-best for defensemen.
In addition to his regular season performance, the six-foot, 183-pound Leppanen contributed three assists in eight playoff games.
Over his two seasons in Finland`s premier league, the left-shooting Leppanen accumulated 33 goals and 58 assists in 115 games, showcasing his consistent offensive contribution from the blue line.
