The Edmonton Oilers are continuing their search for talent from Europe with a signing announced on Monday morning. The team has agreed to terms with Finnish forward Aku Raty, signing him to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850k.
Raty, 24, was originally drafted by the then-Arizona Coyotes in the fifth round back in 2019. He made his NHL debut in 2023–24, appearing in one game and tallying one assist. He has spent the remainder of his professional career between the Tuscon Roadrunners of the AHL, while playing with and Karpat and Ilves Tampere of the SM-liiga.
He spent the 2025–26 season with Karpat, leading the team in scoring with 57 points in 51 games.
Raty is the older brother of Vancouver Canucks forward Aatu Raty.
What to expect from Aku Raty?
At this point in his career, Raty is aging out of being able to be called a prospect. His game is likely as good as it will be right now, meaning if he cannot play his way into a spot now, he may not get another chance. The Oilers have been utilizing a strategy to replenish the team’s youth by targeting older prospects who are more NHL-ready, a trend continuing with the signing of Raty.
Raty projects to be a good addition to the team’s depth, and a great addition for an already stacked Bakersfield Condors roster. His likely destination is in the AHL, given the logjam of bottom six forwards trying to get ice time in Edmonton.
With his physical engagement and compete level, Raty should provide an energy boost to the Condors. If this translates back to the North American game again, he may even endear himself well enough to the organization and earn a call-up.
