Atro Leppänen’s Grit Tested: Can He Shock Everyone and Secure a Spot with the Oilers?

Breaking into a powerhouse NHL roster isn’t for the faint of heart—especially when that roster belongs to a team stacking up Stanley Cups like trophies on a mantle. Yet, here we are, witnessing Atro Leppänen carve out early buzz in the Edmonton Oilers’ preseason shuffle. Coming off a blistering campaign in Finland’s SM-Liiga, where he not only dominated but redefined what a defenseman’s offense looks like with 63 points, Leppänen’s transition to North American ice is turning heads. The man’s not just skating through camp; he’s grinding, adapting, and showing he’s ready to test the limits of a lineup that’s notoriously tough to crack. Opting for a club that demands excellence from every shift—well, that says a lot about his mindset and will. After all, why pick the easy path when you’re built for the challenge? His reflections on speed, puck movement, and the physicality of the NHL reveal a player dialed in and hungry for more. This isn’t just preseason noise—Leppänen’s story is shaping into a compelling narrative of grit, skill, and opportunity. LEARN MORE

While the odds of making a loaded championship-caliber lineup are long, Atro Leppänen is making a name for himself early in the preseason with the Edmonton Oilers.

Fresh off a record-setting season in Finland’s SM-Liiga, where he led all defensemen with 63 points, he is turning heads early in Edmonton Oilers training camp, and the Finnish defenseman is embracing the challenge of adapting to the NHL. He chose the Oilers — a team with a tough lineup to crack — and despite the hurdles, has aspirations to play in Edmonton.  

Speaking with Leppänen after Wednesday’s preseason loss to the Seattle Kraken, the defenseman shared his thoughts on adjusting to the pace of the NHL and his decision to join the Oilers.

“The speed is very fast compared to what I’m used to, but I’ve been able to move the puck well and play pretty solid defensively,” Leppänen said. “It’s a little bit faster, but just to get used to a couple of shifts and then it’s gone.”

Leppänen, 26, signed with the Oilers in the spring after weighing options from multiple teams. “They reached out in the spring, and another team did as well,” he explained. “It was an intuition choice. The Oilers had good players and nice plays, so it was a pretty easy decision.” He also had some familiarity with the organization, having played with Finnish teammates who had connections to Edmonton.

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Adjusting to the smaller North American ice surface hasn’t been a major hurdle. “Honestly, it hasn’t been that bad,” he said. “I think, pretty fast and well, and the forecheck is harder. They check and hit harder, but just move the puck, and guys are good that you play with.”

Leppänen’s Path to the NHL Has Been An Interesting One

Leppänen’s recent strides towards a shot at the NHL seem all the more impressive when you consider where he’s come from. He recounted the challenges of balancing hockey with odd jobs during his younger years. “I worked in factories and even in a museum, watching the paintings,” he said with a laugh. “Nobody touched the painting. Yeah, that was my job.“

He said he had no interest in anything beyond hockey. “I mean, I was pretty young and had no really interest in going to school, yet I didn’t really have anything that I else that I wanted to do. So why not just play? It wasn’t really that hard of a decision, I wasn’t thinking about too much about quitting and stuff like that most of the time. So it was just to play and had nothing else to do. So why not?”

His hard work has paid off. The defenseman signed a one-year deal with the Oilers, and while his immediate path might lead him to the AHL, head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t rule out a scenario where Leppänen could get NHL games. 

Defenseman Atro Leppänen Making Things Interesting For The Oilers
Atro Leppänen is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing storylines of the Edmonton Oilers‘ training camp and preseason. The 26-year-old Finnish defenceman is set to play in his third straight preseason game tonight, earning more looks after a string of impressive performances.

Knoblauch said when asked where Leppänen might fit on a team that seemingly has no spots, that he is looking for the best player at every position. That message seems to have been passed on to Leppänen, who isn’t done fighting for a spot on the roster. When asked if he was used to fighting, he suggested that was a strong choice of words, even hinting that battling might not be the best description. 

Still, he gets the notion he’s going to have to stand out to earn a spot.

When asked, “Why did you like some guys would pick a team that’s easier to make, it’s hard team to make two Stanley Cups in a row… Did you think about that?” He responded, “So I’m kind of used to it, and it’s just kind of grind it out.” He added, “I mean, it’s definitely a tough lineup to crack. I think, I think there’s a chance.”

Leppänen Seems Appreciative Of The Opportunity

Leppänen credited the coaching staff for their guidance. “They’ve been very positive, telling me to keep moving the puck and playing my style. That’s what I plan to do,” he said.

I specifically brought up how much he’s playing thus far in preseason, getting several games in a row and big minutes in those games. Was this something he wanted to keep doing, taking as many opportunities as would be tossed his way? “I mean, sure, the more you play, I think even, it can be a little bit more exhausting, but you get the feel for the game, and you can get a little bit of flow going. So it’s, I think it’s easier to more you play, kind of easier to go.”

“I think just kind of once in a lifetime chance to come, and if you get it, get the opportunity. Just gotta take it.”

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