Kasperi Kapanen Breaking His Reputation With Strong Start on the Edmonton Oilers

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Liam McCormick
December 1, 2024 (8:59)

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Forward Kasperi Kapanen came to the Edmonton Oilers this season with reports that he's seemed disengaged for long stretches, but in his first few games with his new team, Kapanen is totally breaking that reputation with quality two-way play.

Kapanen has been elevated to the first line alongside Connor McDavid, and last night he converted on a brilliant pass from the Captain for his first goal as an Oiler.

On this goal, Kapanen does what so many depth Oilers forwards have failed to do when playing with McDavid - just go to the net with your stick on the ice, and McDavid will feed scoring chances.

Kapanen has shown offensive talent early on in his career, even scoring a high of 20 goals with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2018-19 season.

Since then, Kapanen's offence has steadily declined over his career. If he can regain any of the scoring talent, Kapanen could be a significant asset for the Oilers.

However, some analysts have noted that the problem that's plagued Kapanen and led him to waivers is that he's been disengaged mentally. The Edmonton Oilers could be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NHL.

»A flash here, another here, but it has been pointless to look for passion, self-confidence, joy in the game or the right kind of despair from the execution or body language''
- Tommi Seppala

So far, Kapanen's done everything he can to break that reputation with his defensive play. Last night against the Avalanche, he put his body on the line to make an important shot block in the third period.

When the Oilers visited Utah, Kapanen made a great defensive play late in the third to block a passing lane, potentially saving the game for Edmonton.

Kapanen is one of the fastest skaters in the NHL, and can utilize that speed to get into great positions all over the ice.

If he continues to make solid defensive plays like this and motor back up the ice to bury the occasional scoring chance, Kapanen will provide excellent value for the Oilers at $1M this season after picking him up for nothing on waivers.

Through 4 games so far with the Oilers, Kapanen is making a strong impression and looks fully engaged and bent on staying in the NHL. Hopefully, this great play continues.