Santeri Airola

June 2023 – The Penguins have decided not to sign Airola and therefore will surrender the rights to him going forward. Airola is an offensive-leaning defenseman who spent his 2022-23 season in Finland’s second-tier league Mestis. He tallied 22 points in 29 games in Mestis while adding another seven points in 15 LIIGA games. Airola’s development has been significantly impacted by injuries over the past several years which has clouded his projection. When healthy Airola is a smooth-skating right-handed defenseman who can run a powerplay. Tyler Ball

June 2020 –  Airola had a decent season with Ketterä of the Mestis league in Finland. In 26 games, he scored 11 total points. After a strong performance, he then played two games with SaiPa of the Liiga. Airola is praised for his solid puck-moving skills. He does a great job of keeping his head up and making a clean first breakout pass. He doesn’t have the best shot, but he does well to get shots on goal. Next season he will continue his development playing for Ilves of the Liiga. Clare McManus