Darkhorse forward set have a career year with Edmonton

After only ten games with the St. Louis Blues last season, Kapanen's play had become ineffective and was placed on wires. Now, since being claimed by the Oilers, his role on a very talented team has grown.

Upon his arrival, Kasperi was inserted into a deep Oilers lineup, in a bottom-6 role, where his primary concern was not to score goals (though he recorded 13 points in 57 games), but to provide speed, energy, and physicality.

Kapanen matched expectations, and was prominent in last year's playoffs. You will recall game 5 in round 2 of the playoff's last year, against Vegas Golden Knights, when Kasperi's relentless play and dogged determination resulted in a goal that gave Edmonton the series win, and advanced them to the Western Conference Finals.

He even played on a top-line with Leon Draisaitl, and finished the post-season with 6 points in 12 games, a career high for Kasperi.

Now, with the departure of Connor Brown, Evander Kane, and Victor Arvidsson, Kapanen will have to take-on more of a leadership role for in-coming young players, show them how to compete.

The 29-year old's one year contract expires July 1, 2026, when Kasperi becomes an unrestricted free agent. However, if he can build on last season, and play the way he's shown that he can, he should have a career year.

His contribution will help the Oilers get back to their 3rd-straight Stanley Cup Final. It will also help him secure a longer contract with the Oilers.

He can be the difference maker he has shown to be. He just needs to go out and do it.