10-Year Shifty Winger Re-Signs with the Blues
Despite a disappointing ending to the St. Louis Blues 2023-24 season after narrowly missing out on the final Wild-Card spot in the Western Conference, 10-year winger Kasperi Kapanen remained a steady force in the Blues’ lineup and played a major role in their almost-qualifying for the postseason. Even though Kapanen’s offensive production has seen a dip over the past three seasons, in which Kapanen has scored only 21 goals during that time span, the shifty winger still possesses the ability to make defenses make the wrong move and sneak past the opponent and into the offensive zone. Entering free agency, Kapanen was aiming to set himself up for long-term stability and was able to do that after signing a one-year deal for one million to stay with the Blues. The return of Kapanen to the Blues’ lineup will provide them with another dynamic player and help further their forward depth as they hope to compete for the Stanley Cup next season.
After being selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2014 NHL Draft, the 27-year-old Kapanen was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2015 offseason. Kapanen spent his first five seasons with the Maple Leafs, where he originally had difficulty establishing himself in the league. However, in the 2018–19 season, everything appeared to come together for Kapanen. With 78 games played in 2018, Kapanen set career highs in goals with 20, assists, and points, helping the Maple Leafs advance to the postseason. After being traded to the Penguins in August 2020, where he played for three seasons, Kapanen was released by Pittsburgh and was then claimed off waivers by the Blues in February 2023.
Known for his quickness, athleticism, and offensive instincts, Kapanen gives the Blues’ attack a distinctive touch. He has demonstrated throughout his career his ability to control the play, set up scoring chances, and provide assistance on both ends of the rink. He is a significant asset in today's fast-paced NHL because of his mix of speed and scoring touch, which makes him a deadly threat in transition. Kapanen has the ability to flourish in a key position and ignite the offense for the Blues next season with his skill set and perseverance.
