The Edmonton Oilers face a setback as Kasperi Kapanen has been sidelined on a week-to-week basis. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed the news on Tuesday. Kapanen’s absence will last at least several weeks, impacting the team’s depth as they navigate a tough schedule.
Kasperi Kapanen’s Injury Details
Kapanen, a Finnish winger, exited during the second period of Sunday’s game and did not return. This season marks Kapanen’s second with the Oilers after joining from the St. Louis Blues last year.
Performance Overview
- Kapanen played 57 games in the previous regular season, recording 13 points.
- In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he improved his performance with three goals and three assists in 12 games, achieving a plus-4 rating.
- This year, he has made two assists but has yet to score a goal while averaging 12:17 of ice time per game.
Contract Status
Kapanen was poised to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but he signed a one-year contract worth $1.3 million on June 30 to remain with the Oilers.
Next Steps for the Oilers
As the Oilers prepare to face the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night, 20-year-old rookie David Tomasek will replace Kapanen in the lineup. Tomasek is transitioning to North America after an impressive season in Sweden, where he scored 57 points in 47 games with Färjestad BK.
Current Team Status
- Edmonton holds a record of 2-3-1 for the season.
- The team has struggled, starting with a 1-3-0 record on this lengthy road trip.
- They recently suffered three consecutive losses after a victory against the New York Rangers.
With Kapanen’s absence, the Oilers must quickly adapt to maintain competitiveness in the league as they continue their road trip.
