Edmonton Oilers at the 2025 IIHF World Championships

It’s that time of the year, where those contenders in the NHL are competing for the Stanley Cup, and everyone else? Well they are aiming for the World Championship gold medal.

With the season the Edmonton Oilers have had, it’s no surprise they remain in the hunt for cup. With that being said there are still Edmonton prospects and signees who are competing in the World Championships.

Lets take a look at those players.

Atro Leppänen, LD, Finland

The high skill offensive defender was named to the Team Finland’s roster earlier this month. Expect him to be a power play asset for the Finnish blueline. The 26-year-old is a purely offensive minded defender highlighted by strong offensive instincts, puck skills, and capable enough skating.

The Atro Leppanen looks poised to be one of the prime offensive contributors for the Finnish team this year. Oilers fans should look for his quality offensive instincts through plentiful activations, higher end chances for generation, and higher pace plays from the defenceman.

The one area of concern for the Liiga’s MVP is his defensive instincts, risk awareness, and risk mitigation in his own zone. In offensive defenders style his defensive zone play is his main weakness. This could be an area that opposing teams take advantage of at the World Championships.

Here’s hoping that the reward outweighs the risk with team Finland.

Josh Samanski, F, Germany

The young German forward continues to build on his breakout year in the DEL, by being named to Team Germany. The German is only one of nine players born 2000 or earlier, which proves that this could be a turning point for the German national program.

Josh Samanski brings a lot of upside to the German team. The 2002-born forward’s game is highlighted by higher end physicality, quality senses, and skating with a lot of room for growth. Expect Samanski to get lots of opportunity and ice time at this World Championships.

He could be a key piece for the underdog German team to cause a major upset at this year’s tournament.

What does this mean for the organization

Anytime players from an organization can get more ice-time, exposure, and international experience it’s a good thing. Especially at this time of the year there’s little risk for these two Oiler’s signees, and this tournament could realistically increase their stock coming to North America next season.

Are you excited for the World Championships? Who do you think will bring home the gold? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.