Kasperi Kapanen is poised to rejoin the Edmonton Oilers lineup, potentially as early as Tuesday against the Nashville Predators. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch has indicated that if Kapanen isn't ready for Tuesday's home game, he will "definitely" be available for Thursday's game against Winnipeg.
Kapanen's return comes at a time when the Oilers are looking for a spark to reignite their performance after what Knoblauch described as "lackluster performances since the Christmas break". Knoblauch is optimistic about Kapanen's potential impact, citing his ability to bring "energy, a little bit of an edge, and some physicality" to the team. The coach also anticipates Kapanen contributing to the penalty kill.
The Finnish winger has had a frustrating season, limited to just six games due to a lower-body injury sustained on October 19 against the Detroit Red Wings. A setback in practice in late November further delayed his return, sidelining him for an additional five to six weeks. Kapanen admitted to frustration during his time away, particularly the mental challenge of being off the ice and separated from the team during road trips. He expressed regret over an incident where he reacted to his injury by damaging a stick rack, acknowledging he acted like a "drama queen".
Kapanen has been practicing with the team since December 31, with reports suggesting he is nearing game readiness. Knoblauch noted Kapanen's eagerness to return, stating, "He's getting very close, and if it's not Tuesday, probably Thursday. But definitely sometime this week... I know he's champing at the bit. He wants to play. We'd like to have him back".
The 29-year-old Kapanen was initially claimed off waivers by the Oilers from the St. Louis Blues in November 2024. During the 2024-25 season, he played 57 games with Edmonton. Before joining the Oilers, Kapanen played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who drafted him 22nd overall in 2014. He has a career total of 85 goals and 124 assists for 209 points in 470 NHL games. On May 14, 2025, Kapanen scored the overtime goal that eliminated the Vegas Golden Knights. He then signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract to remain with the Oilers on June 30, 2025.
With Kapanen's impending return, the Oilers are gradually getting healthier, with only Jake Walman and Tristan Jarry remaining as regular players on the injured list. To accommodate Kapanen's return from long-term injured reserve (LTIR), the Oilers have sent Max Jones to the AHL. The team may need to make further roster adjustments to manage their cap space effectively.
