In the first of what’s likely to be a series of moves leading up to the trade deadline next Friday, the Penguins have placed right wing Kasperi Kapanen on waivers.
Following a solid first season in the ‘Burgh, the flashy 26-year-old Finn has largely languished, tallying 18 goals and 52 points in 122 games since the start of the ’21-22 campaign.
Coach Mike Sullivan seemed almost apologetic when announcing the move.
“Kappy is a really talented player,” Sullivan said. “To a certain extent it’s on all of us because we didn’t find a way to maximize his potential. He brings a ton of speed. He has the ability to shoot the puck. He has good offensive instincts. Brings a lot of size. There’s so many attributes that Kappy brings that are really attractive. For whatever reason, we couldn’t find a way to get his potential out of him, and that falls on all of us.”
Given Kapanen’s onerous contract, which runs through the ’23-24 season at an AAV of $3.2 million, it’s unlikely he’ll be claimed by another club. However, the Pens would then have the option of sending him to the Baby Pens, which would save $1.125 million on his “cap” hit (no pun intended). Perhaps paving the way for a player (forward Valtteri Puustinen?) to be recalled.
Everyone
The St. Louis Blues have picked up Kapanen on Waivers.
Wonder if he will play tonight
Awesome, now buyout Carter and the team is better just by getting rid of two players that gave up months ago.
Bring up WBS guys that want to be up here or trade for a some.