Aku Raty has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Edmonton Oilers for the 2026-27 season. The deal is worth $850,000. Edmonton continues to explore the overseas market for depth players.
The 24-year-old began his professional career in 2019 when he was selected with the 151st overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft by the Arizona Coyotes. He spent his post-draft season playing for the Finnish Liiga’s Kärpät, registering two goals and five assists for seven points in 32 games.
After registering almost identical numbers during the 2020-21 season, Raty’s offensive presence also began to grow in Finland. Throughout the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons combined, he registered 29 goals and 35 assists for 64 points in 109 games for Kärpät. Those stats gave the Coyotes the confidence to bring him to North America.
Raty in North America
At first, he didn’t look out of place. Raty finished his first AHL season with 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 points in 55 games for the Tucson Roadrunners. It was good enough for him to finish second on the team in scoring behind Josh Doan (46 points).
Unfortunately, he took a significant step back during the 2024-25 season. He got off to a rough start with Tucson, registering four goals and 19 points in 50 games. This led to a mid-season trade to the Chicago Blackhawks organization. He finished the year with the Rockford IceHogs (2G 4A 6PTS). Raty also had one goal in two playoff games for the IceHogs.
Returning to Finland Helped
After that poor season, Raty took the opportunity to rejoin Kärpät last year. It turned out to be the right choice. He enjoyed the best season of his professional career, registering 20 goals and 57 points in 51 games. Again, his strong offensive output wasn’t enough to lead the league in scoring, but he finished first on Kärpät and seventh overall.
Due to injuries or poor performance, the Oilers frequently adjust their bottom six. If that trend continues this season, there should be an opportunity for Raty at the NHL level. If Raty can get off to a hot start in the AHL with Bakersfield, it won’t be long before Edmonton calls him up to the NHL. The Oilers are hoping he’ll bring energy and offensive firepower to their lineup.
