Kasperi Kapanen, the Finnish forward once touted as a key piece of the Toronto Maple Leafs' future, continues his NHL journey with the Edmonton Oilers. After a somewhat turbulent few seasons, Kapanen has found a degree of stability and a chance to contribute to a contending team.

Kapanen's career has been a series of highs and lows since being drafted 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2014. Traded to Toronto as part of the Phil Kessel deal in 2015, he showed flashes of brilliance with the Maple Leafs, particularly during the 2018-19 season when he scored 20 goals and recorded 44 points. However, consistency proved elusive, and he was eventually traded back to Pittsburgh. A subsequent stint with the St. Louis Blues didn't quite pan out, leading to him being claimed off waivers by the Edmonton Oilers on November 19, 2024.

In the 2024-25 season, Kapanen played a combined 67 regular-season games between Edmonton and St. Louis, scoring six goals and adding 8 assists for a total of 14 points. After being picked up by the Oilers, Kapanen played in 57 regular season games, amassing 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points. While these numbers may not be eye-popping, his contributions in Edmonton went beyond the scoresheet. He provided versatility, playing various roles within the lineup, and even filled in at center, a position he hadn't played before in his professional career. He also contributed 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) in 12 playoff games, helping the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Kapanen's efforts were rewarded with a new one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Oilers for the 2025-26 season. This indicates that the Oilers see value in his skillset and believe he can be a useful asset. At 29 years old, Kapanen brings a veteran presence to the Oilers' roster, and his experience playing in different situations can be beneficial.

Looking ahead, Kapanen is expected to compete for a middle-six role with the Oilers. While he may not be a top-line player, he can provide valuable secondary scoring and a strong work ethic. His speed and skating ability remain assets, and if he can find consistent chemistry with his linemates, he could exceed expectations.

Kapanen's journey since his days with the Maple Leafs has been filled with challenges and changes. However, he has an opportunity to solidify his role with a strong Oilers team. With a new contract in hand and a chance to contribute to a Stanley Cup contender, Kapanen is looking to make the most of his current situation in Edmonton.