Oilers almost signed Kapanen to a contract over the summer
The Edmonton Oilers have had an eye on Kasperi Kapanen for quite a while before claiming him on waivers earlier this week.
Following an injury to Zach Hyman that will keep him out of the lineup for tonight’s game against the Minnesota Wild, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has opted to give Kapanen a look in the top six.
The 28-year-old Finn will play on the team’s second line tonight alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jeff Skinner. It turns out that Kapanen has been on the Oilers’ radar since the summer.
“[Kapanen is] somebody that we were interested in and looking at possibly signing this summer,” Knoblauch revealed to reporters this morning. “So I was actually a little familiar watching him play and I like a lot of his game.”
"Penalty kill's had a few games of not giving up a goal, power play's looking sharper since Connor's come back. That's a big part of winning & losing games."
Coach Knoblauch shares his thoughts on the #Oilers special teams.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/SDnMTnJFLR
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 21, 2024
Kapanen signed a one-year deal that carries a $1 million cap hit with the Blues on July 1 this offseason. He managed six goals and 22 points in 73 games with St. Louis last season but has struggled to stay in the NHL lineup this year.
Knoblauch has high hopes for what Kapanen to bring to the lineup on a nightly basis.
“I think he is responsible defensively. Something he’ll add to our team is a lot is speed,” Knoblauch said. “He is a big body, he is fast, and I don’t think you can have too much of that.
“I think he adds a good element to our team.”
Kapanen’s focus will be on getting better day by day. He also took time to speak with the media after this morning’s practice at Rogers Place. As he joins his fourth NHL organization, he’s confident that he can contribute to this Oilers team.
“I think I’ve got decent size, and I think my skating is probably the best attribute I have,” Kapanen said. “Just try to use those as much as I can and just bring energy and then try to help as best I can.”
"I think I've got decent size & I think my skating is probably the best attribute I have. So just try to use those much as I can & bring energy & try to help as best I can."
Kasperi Kapanen on what he will bring to the #Oilers lineup. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/hRQBZygCZK
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 21, 2024
Oilers fans will certainly be keeping an eye on Kapanen as he pulls over his #42 Oilers jersey for the first time.