Leskinen inked a one-year, two-way contract with Montreal on Tuesday.
Leskinen spent two seasons playing primarily for AHL Laval, appearing in just six NHL contests, before heading to Europe last season in the hopes of revitalizing his career. In 45 games for Jokerit (KHL) and Tappara (Finland), the 25-year-old defenseman garnered eight goals and 15 helpers, evidently showing the Habs enough to warrant giving him another shot in North America.
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Canadiens' Otto Leskinen: Signs overseas
Rotowire
Leskinen inked a two-year contract with KHL club Helsinki Jokerit on Tuesday.
Leskinen logged just six games for the Habs over the previous two seasons, instead spending the bulk of his time in the minors with AHL Laval. He's currently with Montreal's playoff practice squad, the Black Aces, and is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. Leskinen signing in the KHL likely signals the end of his time as a Canadien at the conclusion of the playoffs.
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Canadiens' Otto Leskinen: Promoted to top level
Rotowire
Leskinen ascended from AHL Laval to the Canadiens' active roster Tuesday.
Leskinen and eight other Rocket teammates headed to Montreal to serve as emergency depth options for the playoffs, which start Thursday against Toronto. The Finn went scoreless in a lone NHL game this year but produced 17 points in 33 AHL contests.
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Canadiens' Otto Leskinen: Back to minors
Rotowire
Leskinen was assigned to AHL Laval on Wednesday.
Leskinen played in one game while he was with the big club. The Canadiens added Jon Merrill and Erik Gustafsson at the trade deadline, so Leskinen shouldn't be expected to rise above the taxi squad again in 2020-21.
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Canadiens' Otto Leskinen: Shifts to taxi squad
Rotowire
Leskinen was designated for the taxi squad Sunday, per CapFriendly.
The Canadiens made some changes to their blue line Sunday, as they waived Victor Mete and traded for Jon Merrill. If Mete is claimed on waivers, Leskinen may stay with the big club for a bit longer. The 24-year-old made his season debut in Saturday's loss to the Jets, logging 16:23 of ice time and one hit.
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Canadiens' Otto Leskinen: Making season debut
Rotowire
Leskinen will be promoted to Montreal's active roster and play Saturday against the Jets, Eric Engels of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Leskinen's expected to skate on the Canadiens' third pairing Saturday. He went scoreless in five appearances with the big club last campaign.
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Canadiens' Otto Leskinen: Recalled from AHL
Rotowire
Leskinen was recalled from AHL Laval to the taxi squad Monday.
Leskinen can start practicing and traveling with the big club. The 24-year-old has been solid in the minors this season, producing 14 points through 23 games. The Canadiens only have six defensemen on the active roster, so if anyone gets injured, Leskinen figures to be the first call.
