Among the many narratives unfolding at Oilers camp, the most inspiring belongs to Finnish defenceman Atro Leppänen. The 26-year-old blueliner has quickly turned heads with his play in camp, showing poise and offensive instincts that have earned him time on the power play while veterans rest in preseason.
From Mantta to the NHL dream
Leppänen’s rise is anything but ordinary. Just a few years ago, he was skating in beer leagues near his hometown of Mantta, a struggling factory town in Finland. To make ends meet, he worked at a gas station and spent summers watching over paintings in a converted museum, ensuring no one touched the art.
His break came when coach Tomas Westerlund offered him a tryout in Finland’s second division. At first a winger, Leppänen was moved permanently to defence — and that’s when his career took off.
He exploded in the Mestis, putting up 58 points in 51 games in 2022-23, then followed that by posting 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists) in 60 games in Liiga in 2024-25 — shattering defenceman scoring records and cementing himself among Finland’s most dangerous offensive blueliners
Now, standing just 5’11” and 183 pounds, he looks the part of a modern NHL blueliner — mobile, smart, and skilled at clean zone exits. Head coach Kris Knoblauch has already noticed how well Leppänen moves the puck to stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Realistically, Leppänen is likely headed to AHL Bakersfield to begin the season, but his rapid climb from beer leagues to NHL camp in only five years is remarkable. Whether with Edmonton or another club, scouts will be watching closely to see if his game can translate one more level.
Other prospects making noise
Leppänen isn’t the only hopeful making an impression. Matthew Savoie, acquired in the big trade with Buffalo, looks ready to grab an NHL role. Though pointless in his first two preseason outings, the 21-year-old has been sharp on the forecheck, strong along the boards, and composed in puck battles. He was arguably Edmonton’s best player in the rookie showcase games against Calgary and could start the season in the bottom six with a chance to move up.
Meanwhile, first-year pros Quinn Hutson and Connor Clattenburg are also showing well. Hutson’s ability to hold onto the puck and wait out opponents before making crisp passes has stood out, especially in Winnipeg. Clattenburg has displayed the mix of grit and skill that defined his OHL career in Flint — even scoring and dropping the gloves in Calgary last weekend.
Like Leppänen, both Hutson and Clattenburg are more likely headed to Bakersfield once the Oilers finalize their roster, but they’ve shown they belong in the conversation.
Knoblauch on the process
Head coach Kris Knoblauch has been clear: development comes first. He doesn’t want young players thrown into top-line roles before they’re ready.
For the Oilers, it’s about building a pipeline of prospects who can be ready when called upon during the season. The early signs suggest that several of these young players — Leppänen included — are eager to seize the opportunity.
Leppänen amongst many proving Oilers depth has improved
From a Finnish factory town to an NHL camp in Edmonton, Leppänen’s journey is the stuff of hockey movies. Add in Savoie’s determined push for a full-time role and the encouraging showings from Hutson and Clattenburg, and the Oilers’ training camp is shaping up to be more than just about the veterans.
The depth is improved and real, the competition is fierce, and the future looks bright.
“That’s what they want,” Knoblauch said. “They want the puck in stride so they can do their thing.”“We don’t want a first line right away,” Knoblauch told reporters. “We want players to develop for the long term, to build consistency in their routines and daily goals. Work ethic and learning every day are what matters most.”
Now the question is: after conquering Finland and surprising in camp, could Atro Leppänen carry that momentum into Bakersfield — and earn a call-up to Edmonton this season?