Kasperi Kapanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a right winger for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League.
Born Samu Kasperi Kapanen on July 23, 1996, in Kuopio, Finland, he has built a reputation for his exceptional speed, two-way play, and ability to contribute in key moments.
Although born in Finland, Kapanen spent significant portions of his childhood in North America while his father played in the NHL, leading him to consider Philadelphia a second home of sorts, though he proudly identifies as a kid from Finland.
He was selected 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and has since carved out a solid career across multiple teams.
Siblings
Kasperi is the eldest of four siblings.
His younger brother Konsta Kapanen, born in 2003, has followed in the family’s hockey footsteps and represented Finland at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
His two sisters, Cassandra (born 1999) and Camilla (born 2001), did not pursue hockey but instead competed for the Finnish national team in gymnastics.
Also Read: Joaquin Niemann Siblings: Get to Know Lukas Niemann
Career
Kapanen’s career began in his hometown with KalPa, the club partially owned by his father at the time.
He made his professional debut in Finland’s Liiga during the 2012–13 season and developed quickly, posting strong numbers that caught the attention of NHL scouts.
After being drafted by the Penguins, he continued playing in Liiga before transitioning to North America.
In 2015, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of a package that brought Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh.
With the Maple Leafs, Kapanen earned a regular NHL role and became known for his blazing speed and clutch performances, including a memorable overtime winner against the Washington Capitals in the 2017 playoffs and a historic shorthanded goal in Game 7 of the 2018 playoffs against the Boston Bruins, making him the youngest player at the time to achieve that feat in a Game 7.
He was later traded back to the Penguins in 2020, where he spent time contributing to the lineup before moving to the St. Louis Blues in 2022–23.
In 2024, he signed with the Edmonton Oilers, adding depth and speed to their forward group during their deep playoff runs.
Accolades
Kapanen was twice selected for the American Hockey League All-Star Game during his time developing with the Toronto Marlies.
On the international stage, he captured a gold medal with Finland at the 2016 IIHF World U20 Championship, where he also scored the championship-winning goal.
While he has not yet won the Stanley Cup as a player, he has contributed to several deep playoff runs, including memorable moments that have highlighted his big-game ability.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
