Oilers Face Risky Decision With Contract Extension for Kasperi Kapanen

Kapanen was taken off the waiver wire from the St Louis Blues by Bowman as he felt that the 28-year-old winger would give the Oilers forwards another dimension along with foot speed as Kapanen is well known for his skating.

Since his arrival, he has played 16 games has scored five goals with one assist for 6 points it is a - 5 and has played on average 12 minutes and 51 seconds of ice time.

He is currently signed to a one-year deal worth $1 million which seems to be a good return considering the low cost, which should prompt some consideration for an extension.

He will become an unrestricted free agent next season which now faces Bowman and his management team. It's clear that they like what they have seen from him, but it remains to be seen on how much he'd be willing to pay as the Oilers face several key signings including Evan Bouchard and Connor Mcdavid.

His career began in 2015 with the Toronto Maple Leafs where he had spent five seasons of his career. Afterwards he was three years with the Pittsburgh Penguins and then was another three years with the St Louis Blues.

His point production was averaging between 30 and 45 points for the bulk of his career, but he has seen his prodcution drop dramatically.

Kapanen is playing well with the Edmonton Oilers at the moment, but it could partly be because this could be his last chance in the NHL. He was on waivers twice this year, and had been clearly falling out of the league.

If the Oilers sign him to a contract extension quickly, it could take away from some of the motivation he has to perform. There's a chance it also helps him knowing the Oilers are committed to him.

Considering the Oilers did not pay with any players, draft picks, or prospects to acquire his services I would expect general manager Bowman to try to sign him to another low entry level deal likely at a two year term to see if he can rebound in his numbers. Additionally, the Oilers will need bottom six forwards next year.

He has averaged a $3.2 million contract per year with both the Leafs and the Penguins, but the numbers were behind him.

Hopefully, the Oilers do not feel handicapped to giving him more money than is necessary and try to secure him add another low-cost deal if he continues to show a productive turn around.