Kasperi Kapanen, born July 23, 1996, is a Finnish professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League (NHL). He’s known for his speed, skill, and potential offensive upside, although consistency has sometimes been a challenge throughout his career.

Kapanen’s journey to the NHL began in Finland, where he honed his skills in the KalPa junior system. He quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his offensive prowess and earning a reputation as a promising prospect. His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was drafted 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

After being drafted, Kapanen continued his development in Finland for a season before making his North American debut with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate. He demonstrated his adaptability and skill in the AHL, eventually earning his first call-up to the NHL with Pittsburgh in 2015-2016.

However, his time with the Penguins was relatively short-lived. In 2015, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of a larger deal involving Phil Kessel. This trade provided Kapanen with a fresh start and an opportunity to solidify his role in the NHL. With the Maple Leafs, he began to find his footing. He initially played for the Toronto Marlies, their AHL affiliate, and contributed significantly to their Calder Cup championship run in 2018. He earned consistent call-ups to the Maple Leafs, showcasing flashes of brilliance with his speed and offensive instincts.

Kapanen spent several seasons with the Maple Leafs, gradually developing into a reliable player. While he displayed moments of offensive flair and speed, consistency remained an area for improvement. He played in various roles within the lineup, from a bottom-six energy player to a top-six winger tasked with providing scoring depth.

In 2020, Kapanen was traded back to the Pittsburgh Penguins, giving him a second chance with the organization that initially drafted him. The hope was that a change of scenery and a familiar environment would unlock his full potential. He initially showed promise upon his return to Pittsburgh, displaying increased offensive output. However, consistency remained an issue, and his performance fluctuated.

In February 2023, the Penguins placed Kapanen on waivers, and he was subsequently claimed by the St. Louis Blues. This marked another chapter in his NHL career, offering him another opportunity to revitalize his game and contribute to a new team. In St. Louis, he’s looked to contribute to their offensive depth and utilize his speed and skill to create scoring chances.

Throughout his NHL career, Kasperi Kapanen has been recognized for his skating ability, particularly his speed, and his offensive skillset. He possesses a good shot and the ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. However, consistency has been the recurring theme. Finding a consistent level of performance and capitalizing on his offensive potential will be key for Kapanen as he continues his career with the St. Louis Blues.

6063×3410 kasperi kapanen scratched late overslept from ca.sports.yahoo.com

1200×800 kasperi kapanen coming americanow pensburgh from www.pensburgh.com

3955×2163 penguins acquire kasperi kapanen maple leafs send evan rodrigues from novacapsfans.com

1200×800 kasperi kapanen penthouse bench pensburgh from www.pensburgh.com

1920×1080 toronto maple leafs kasperi kapanen throws stick mocked from www.sportingnews.com

1200×1200 kasperi kapanen drafted penguins latest news reaction analysis from bleacherreport.com

1920×1080 toronto maple leafs kasperi kapanen scratched win from www.sportingnews.com