Oilers sign record-breaking Finnish defenseman Leppanen to 1-year ELC

The Edmonton Oilers signed defenseman Atro Leppanen to a one-year, entry-level contract starting next season, the team announced Sunday.

Leppanen tallied 21 goals and 63 points in 60 games this campaign with Vaasan Sport in Finland's Liiga. He led the league in scoring and crushed the single-season scoring record by a defenseman. The previous record of 53 points was shared by three-time Stanley Cup champion Brian Rafalski in 1998-99 and former Calgary Flame Pekka Rautakallio in 1978-79.

The 26-year-old added three assists in eight playoff contests. Leppanen was also named league MVP.

Leppanen has spent his entire career playing in his native Finland. A late bloomer, the 6-foot, left-shot rearguard didn't debut in Finland's top men's league until the 2023-24 season.

The Oilers signed David Tomasek, the top scorer in the Swedish league, to a one-year, $1.2-million contract on April 1.

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