Oilers insider highlights dark horse free agent signing to make NHL roster
Photo credit: SHL
The Edmonton Oilers have added a number of new free agents over the summer who could make a push for the NHL roster, including Atro Leppanen.
Signed to a one year contract on April 13 this year, Leppanen is a 26 year old who led the SHL in scoring among defenceman last year. As a late bloomer signed to a one year deal, he could head back to Europe if things don't go well this year.
However, there is a chance that Leppanen's unique talents propel him to the NHL, and possibly to great success.
Atro Leppanen singled out for standout efforts in training camp
The 6'0 right shot defenceman is a smooth-skating offensively gifted player, which showed in his dominance of the SHL.
In training camp, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer has noted that Leppanen's standout talents are translating well. His offensive skills worked well with the Oilers' elite players.
Oilers analyst Kurt Leavins has also reported that Leppanen impressed in scrimmages, and even Knoblauch thought he was an NHL player at least on offence.
It is a bit of a stretch for him to make the NHL roster this fall. The Oilers left side with Ekholm, Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak is strong. But left-shot D-man Atro Leppanen has impressed early in this camp. Kris Knoblauch noted after Saturday's scrimmage that Leppanen processes the game at an NHL level at least on the attack.
- Kurt Leavins
- Kurt Leavins
Leppanen will have a tough battle to crack the NHL roster and will need to improve his game defensively, but he has high end talents which could work exceptionally well in Edmonton. He may have a real chance to be a call-up candidate later in the season, and possibly stick with the team.
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