New Oilers' jersey numbers announced by team
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Oilers Access recently posted a social media announcement that lists the new jersey-numbers which will be on the backs of new players for the 2025-26 NHL season.
All of these players will be competing for a place on the Oilers' roster when training camp begins in a few weeks, fighting for the opportunity to wear the Oilers' jersey, and the number.
The most intriguing of these, and perhaps the player with the most potential to get a good look from the Oilers is Atro Leppanen.
The 6 foot left-defenseman was undrafted, but turned heads following his breakout season in the Liiga, a Finnish men's pro-league, and signed with the Oilers as a free agent in April, 2025, a one-year deal worth $975K for the upcoming season.
In 2024-25, Atro scored 21G and 42A in 60 games as a defenseman, and led the league in points, including forwards and defensemen.
Leppanen was ranked 9th in speed among all defensemen last season, and was considered one of the Liiga's best passers, as his assist total confirms.
According to Corey Pronman of The Athletic Atro Leppanen is ranked number 2 among all European, College and CHL free agents.
"His sharp development is interesting," Corey Pronman wrote in his article. "He's a good skater with decent hockey sense, and a big shot."
If his abilities translate at the NHL level, Atro should be able to make a case for himself at this year's training camp. Even if he were sent down to the AHL, to play with the Condors, would be considered a win for the left-defenseman, given that he is still developing his defensive game.
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