EDMONTON – When in doubt, bank on skill.

Players can score points in the NHL when they put themselves in the right place at the right time, but there still needs to be enough skill to put the puck in the back of the net.

That’s why the Edmonton Oilers' philosophy behind their recent string of undrafted prospect signings is fascinating.

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And that’s what makes Atro Leppanen fascinating, as well.

The Oilers have been busy this April, signing Damien Carfagna, Josh Samanski, and David Tomasek. They now add Leppanen to the mix.

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Leppanen had a phenomenal season in the Liiga. The 6-foot defender recorded 63 points in 60 games, the highest total among all defenders this season. 

But it doesn’t stop there. Leppanen’s 63 points are now the new single-season record for points by a defenseman in the Liiga. Brian Rafalski’s 53 points were the previous record.

The 26-year-old will certainly make his way to the Bakersfield Condors, who are running out of warm bodies to put on the ice. 

Leppanen signed a one-year entry-level contract worth $975,000. It includes a base salary of $877,500 and a $97,500 signing bonus. His contract begins next season.

One report describes Leppanen as having “legitimate NHL offense” and “tremendous puck skills.” The same report says the defender must work greatly on his defensive game.

Banking on skill is a good strategy. And unlike drafting, the wait to get an NHL player is shorter with a 26-year-old than an 18-year-old.

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