Oilers waiver claim becoming fan favourite, draws praise from Coach Knoblauch
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Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
Oilers waiver claim Kasperi Kapanen came to Edmonton with low expectations, but he's seamlessly fit into the lineup and is becoming a favourite of fans and the coach.
When the Oilers claimed Kapanen earlier this year, he was considered to be on his last chance in the NHL before leaving to play overseas - now he's turned it around in Edmonton.
Kasperi Kapanen earning his keep in Oilers lineup, drawing praise from coach and fans
Kapanen was healthy scratched for two games straight on the Oilers last road trip, but after being inserted back into the lineup, the Finnish forward has 2 points in 3 games, along with 9 hits and some quality 200 foot play.
In today's game against the Buffalo Sabres, Kapanen put on a display with a skilled drive to the net, which set up Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for a tap in goal.
Coach Knoblauch praised Kapanen's recent play in his post game comments, and added that he's exactly the type of player they envision having in their bottom six.
»I like his tenacity. He's a big, strong guy. Incredible skater, gets around the ice very well, finishes his checks. When we picked him up off waivers, that was the kind of player we're looking for. We wanted more speed in our lineup, more physicality, and he provides that. But he also plays our style of hockey: puck possession, making plays, not just a chip-chase forecheck. I think he's been a good fit for us.
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
The problem that Kapanen seemed to run into with previous teams was eventually losing his spark and fading into a useless player. If the Oilers and coach Knoblauch can get him to keep his foot on the gas, he could be a great bottom six piece. Perhaps he needed that recent scratch to wake up.
Oilers fans have certainly been happy with his play of late, calling him the best waivers pickup for Edmonton in recent memory.
In 27 games with the Oilers this season, Kapanen's registered 5 goals and 4 assists. That's chilling in at nearly a 30 point pace, which is great for a player averaging 10-13 minutes of ice time. He's a free agent at the end of this season.
Hopefully Kapanen can keep up this level of play, and prove that he deserves another contract in the NHL. So far, he's made good on his opportunity in Edmonton.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 25 | 329 ANSWERS Oilers waiver claim becoming fan favourite, draws praise from Coach Knoblauch Do you think the Oilers should re-sign Kasperi Kapanen? | ||
| Re-sign him | 255 | 77.5 % |
| No, let him walk | 74 | 22.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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