Oilers' Kapanen opens up on hitting personal rock bottom in emotional new interview
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Kasperi Kapanen is currently sidelined with injury, but took a moment for an emotional and personal interview with a Finnish news outlet.
Kapanen sustained an injury a few weeks ago after going hard into the boards on a missed body check. He's unfortunately been ruled out long-term, but has also been spotted travelling with the team. Clearly, Kapanen's itching to get back.
Kasperi Kapanen opens up about personal troubles, hitting rock bottom of NHL
In a new interview with Finnish outlet Ilta-Sanomat, Kapanen spoke about his troubled years with the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues.
After leaving the Leafs and struggling to fit in on two different teams, Kapanen's mental health deteriorated, and he turned to alcohol. After an impaired driving charge in 2023, Kapanen's NHL career and personal life was close to crumbling.
There have been moments when I have had to wonder whether this is an emergency or not. Of course, I have spoken to those close to me to see if everything is okay.
At some point, there was more drinking that I didn't do it to celebrate but because there was so much pressure, anger or anxiety during the season. I almost tried to cover up those feelings with alcohol.
I wondered if I would move to Europe or if I would be able to play at all anymore and come up with something new. Things got to that point. I felt like I wasn't appreciated at all. I was just spat on. I was at rock bottom.
- Kasperi Kapanen
At some point, there was more drinking that I didn't do it to celebrate but because there was so much pressure, anger or anxiety during the season. I almost tried to cover up those feelings with alcohol.
I wondered if I would move to Europe or if I would be able to play at all anymore and come up with something new. Things got to that point. I felt like I wasn't appreciated at all. I was just spat on. I was at rock bottom.
- Kasperi Kapanen
He was right on the brink of falling out of the NHL and on the waiver wire when things turned around for Kapanen, starting with being claimed by the Oilers.
Finding his role again in Edmonton, Kapanen knows he needs to bring speed and tenacity in the bottom six to stay in the lineup, and he's humbled now to just work hard after past experiences. This year, he's also gunning for the Finnish Olympic team.
Somehow, this fall I've felt positive and confident because of it, and it shows right away. I now believe that I can still have a great final career in the NHL.
Because of the Olympics this fall, I have an extra charge. Every team needs energetic and aggressive players. That's why I believe I would fit in well.
- Kasperi Kapanen
Because of the Olympics this fall, I have an extra charge. Every team needs energetic and aggressive players. That's why I believe I would fit in well.
- Kasperi Kapanen
It's great to see Kapanen now in a better place mentally with Edmonton, and pushing on in his NHL career. Hopefully he's able to return to the lineup soon from his injury, and continue to make his Olympic case.
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