Oskari Laaksonen

Oskari Laaksonen (born 2 July 1999) is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently playing with EHC Biel of the National League (NL). He was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round, 89th overall, of the 2017 NHL entry draft.

Playing career Laaksonen, as a youth, played with Ilves' U16, U18, and U20 teams. After playing for Ilves U20, Laaksonen was drafted 89th overall by the Sabres in the 2017 NHL entry draft.

Laaksonen made his Liiga debut during the 2017–18 season, on 9 January 2018, in a 6–5 defeat to HPK. He played out the season to contribute with 4 assists in 21 games.

On 15 June 2020, Laaksonen was signed by the Sabres to a three-year, entry-level contract. It was announced he would initially continue his tenure with Ilves for the 2020–21 season, however on 21 September 2020, Laaksonen was loaned by the Sabres to fellow Liiga club, Lahti Pelicans.

Entering the 2022–23 season assigned to begin his third year with the Sabres AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, Laaksonen was limited to just 10 appearances through the opening months. On 15 December 2022, Laaksonen was traded by the Sabres to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Joseph Cecconi. He was immediately re-assigned to join their AHL club, the Texas Stars. Remaining with Texas until the conclusion of the season, Laaksonen recorded 8 points through 29 regular season games before adding 3 points in 6 playoff contests.

As an impending restricted free agent from the Stars, Laaksonen opted to return to Europe in signing a two-year contract with Swedish club Luleå HF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) on 26 May 2023. His NHL rights were later relinquished by the Stars on 1 July 2023.

After helping Luleå HF claim their first Championship in 29 years, Laaksonen left at the conclusion of his two year tenure and was signed to a two-year contract with Swiss club, EHC Biel of the NL, on 8 May 2025.

International play

Laaksonen appeared for Finland in 6 junior international friendly games in 2016, before he was later selected to represent his country at the 2019 World Junior Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He collected 1 goal in 7 games from the blueline, helping Finland claim the gold medal for their 5th title.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2016–17 Ilves Jr. A 27 6 3 9 14 6 1 1 2 4 2017–18 Ilves Jr. A 40 4 11 15 52 — — — — — 2017–18 Ilves Liiga 21 0 4 4 8 — — — — — 2018–19 Ilves Liiga 46 3 21 24 36 4 0 1 1 0 2019–20 Ilves Liiga 46 2 10 12 14 — — — — — 2020–21 Lahti Pelicans Liiga 20 4 8 12 14 — — — — — 2020–21 Rochester Americans AHL 28 2 15 17 6 — — — — — 2021–22 Rochester Americans AHL 71 5 29 34 44 2 0 1 1 0 2022–23 Rochester Americans AHL 10 0 2 2 8 — — — — — 2022–23 Texas Stars AHL 29 2 6 8 12 6 1 2 3 0 2023–24 Luleå HF SHL 52 3 26 29 32 5 2 1 3 4 2024–25 Luleå HF SHL 24 5 13 18 42 7 0 5 5 6 Liiga totals 133 9 43 52 72 4 0 1 1 0 SHL totals 76 8 39 47 74 12 2 6 8 10

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2019 Finland WJC 7 1 0 1 6 Junior totals 7 1 0 1 6

Awards and honours Award Year AHL North All-Star Team 2021SHL Le Mat Trophy (Luleå HF) 2025