The OHL’s London Knights have landed another big-time prospect, forward Luca Santala, who signed on an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
The 16-year-old was London’s first pick during the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Still with the dust settling from last month’s NHL draft, soon when the analysis picks up on 2027, expect Santala’s name to stand out. Ranked 12th overall among 2027 prospects by Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff, the 6’2” forward has potential to play down the middle or the wing, scoring four goals in five games at the U18 World Championships. Holding top-six upside with a robust, straightforward game, Santala is one of the premium players out of Finland’s upcoming 2027 class although he’s technically a native of Zurich, Switzerland.
Coming along as a product of Kiekko-Espoo, Santala recorded 12 points in 25 games playing alongside skaters three years his senior, good for 12th best on the team. Teammates of his included Noel Pakarinen (Vegas, 2026 7th round) and Max Laatikainen (Philadelphia, 2026 7th round), speaking to the quality of play the youngster was a part of before even entering the Ontario Hockey League.
A Finn with a strong pedigree, Santala’s father Tommi had a long and successful professional career as a center across the NHL, Finland, Switzerland, and even a stint in the KHL. He played in 63 games between the Atlanta Thrashers and Vancouver Canucks, leaving North America after the 2006-07 season. Already familiar with the game on this side of the pond, his son joins one of the most prestigious junior teams known for developing NHL star power including Patrick Kane, Mitch Marner, and Matthew Tkachuk.
Rather than stay home and vie for games in the Liiga, Luca should immediately be a top OHL scorer in London, linking up with Kings 2025 first rounder Henry Brzustewicz and forward Jaxon Cover, Ottawa’s 32nd overall pick this summer. Led by legendary coach Dale Hunter, the Knights went 40-23-4 in 2025-26, last winning the Memorial Cup in 2025.