Veteran forward Kasperi Kapanen didn’t have to wait long to find out his next NHL destination after being waived by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday. The St. Louis Blues moved quickly to claim him, confirming the move on Saturday.
By claiming Kapanen, the Blues are taking over the remainder of the two-year, $6.4 million deal Kapanen signed with the Penguins during the offseason. The 26-year-old player has seven goals and 13 assists for a total of 20 points in 43 games this season.
The move makes sense for the Blues, who will benefit from Kapanen’s speed on ice for the remainder of the season. They will also be able to determine whether he fits into their long-term plans.
“It’s a good pick up, he brings speed, has good skill,” said Blues’ head coach Craig Berube. “I’m looking forward to getting him here, coaching him, and having him be part of the team.”
Penguins surprisingly gave Kapanen a new deal in the summer despite his inconsistencies since arriving in a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020. The move didn’t work out, and Pittsburgh’s front office decided to admit their mistake sooner than later. By placing Kapanen on waivers, the team also managed to clear enough salary cap space to add veteran defenseman Jan Rutta to the roster from long-term injured reserve.
