‘High-end’ NHL prospect from Finland joins Rangers ahead of busy weekend
Posted Sep 25, 2026 06:43:28 AM.
A new face has joined the Kitchener Rangers as they head into a busy weekend, with three games in three days.
Finnish forward Luca Santala is coming to the club from London, as well as a third-round selection in the 2027 CHL Import Draft.
In exchange, the Knights were handed four picks in the 2030 OHL Priority Selection, and Kitchener’s first-round selection in the 2027 CHL Import Draft.
The 17-year-old is eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, said to be one of the most notable prospects.
He has represented Finland numerous times on the international stage, including winning a bronze medal in the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Santala will wear #23 for the East Avenue Blue.
“We are very excited to welcome Luca to the Rangers,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie.
“Luca is a high-end NHL prospect who plays a very well-rounded game. We had flexibility to add an import player, and when Luca became available, we jumped at the opportunity and think it is a great fit. We look forward to seeing Luca develop in Kitchener for the next two seasons.”
Santala joins the squad as the Blueshirts prepare to take on Erie and Kingston this weekend.
Friday night at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the Rangers play host to the Otters before getting on the bus and facing off against Erie in their own barn Saturday.
The Rangers return home Sunday for a 6 p.m. match up against Kingston.
Fan favourites Luca Romano and Alexander Bilecki will also be on the ice as they return from NHL camps.
More Kitchener Rangers news
