Edmonton Oilers Re-Sign Forward Kasperi Kapanen to a One-Year Contract Extension Worth $1.3 Million Average Annual Value

The Edmonton Oilers have taken another step in solidifying their roster for the upcoming NHL season by re-signing Finnish forward Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year contract extension carrying an average annual value of $1.3 million. The move ensures the 27-year-old winger will remain part of Edmonton’s forward group as the team looks to build on its recent successes and continue contending for a Stanley Cup.

Kapanen, known for his speed, versatility, and offensive upside, was acquired by the Oilers midway through last season as part of the team’s effort to bolster their depth up front. Though his tenure in Edmonton has been relatively brief, the organization has clearly seen enough to warrant bringing him back for another year.

The decision to extend Kapanen comes as the Oilers management continues to focus on adding depth, experience, and secondary scoring to complement the superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. For general manager Ken Holland, retaining Kapanen represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward move that fits within Edmonton’s cap constraints while offering flexibility moving forward.

Kapanen, the son of former NHL player Sami Kapanen, entered the league with high expectations after being drafted in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Over the years, he has suited up for the Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, and now the Oilers, carving out a reputation as a player capable of contributing in multiple situations.

During his stint with Edmonton last season, Kapanen appeared in 21 regular season games, tallying six goals and four assists for 10 points. His ability to play both wings, combined with his excellent skating, allowed him to slot into various roles within the lineup. While not a marquee addition at the time, Kapanen’s work ethic, speed in transition, and occasional flashes of offensive flair earned him the respect of coaches and teammates alike.

The one-year extension signals the organization’s belief that Kapanen can build upon his late-season contributions and play a meaningful role in the Oilers’ 2024-25 campaign. Given the team’s top-heavy offensive core, secondary scoring has long been an area of focus, and players like Kapanen are critical to providing that support, especially in high-stakes playoff situations.

Financially, the $1.3 million average annual value is a manageable figure for the Oilers, who must navigate the salary cap landscape carefully with several big contracts already on the books. The deal provides flexibility, minimizing long-term commitment while giving Kapanen an opportunity to showcase his abilities in what amounts to a “prove-it” year.

From Kapanen’s perspective, the extension represents both stability and a fresh opportunity. After bouncing between teams in recent seasons, including a stint with the Blues that didn’t pan out as expected, Kapanen appears eager to establish himself as a reliable contributor on a legitimate contender. Playing alongside elite talents such as McDavid, Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins gives him ample opportunity to elevate his production and remind the league of his potential.

Throughout his NHL career, Kapanen has shown glimpses of high-end offensive capability. His best season came in 2018-19 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he posted 44 points, including 20 goals, over 78 games. Blessed with exceptional straight-line speed and the ability to create separation, Kapanen can be a threat off the rush and on the forecheck. However, inconsistency and stretches of underwhelming production have prevented him from cementing a more prominent role.

For the Oilers, the hope is that in a stable, competitive environment, Kapanen can rediscover the form that made him a top prospect and a key contributor during his early years with the Maple Leafs. Edmonton’s offensive structure under head coach Kris Knoblauch emphasizes pace, puck movement, and aggressive zone entries—traits that align well with Kapanen’s natural skill set.

Moreover, his versatility allows Knoblauch to deploy him up and down the lineup. Whether slotted alongside the team’s stars in a top-six role or providing energy and scoring punch on the third line, Kapanen’s ability to adapt makes him an intriguing asset. His experience in penalty-killing situations further adds value, as Edmonton continues to refine its special teams, an area that often separates contenders from pretenders.

The Oilers’ decision to retain Kapanen also reflects their strategy of building depth without overextending financially. With several prospects still developing and limited cap space to work with, adding affordable, experienced players on short-term deals is a prudent approach. Kapanen’s one-year contract fits that mold, offering Edmonton both immediate help and future flexibility.

Beyond the on-ice factors, Kapanen brings an element of playoff experience, having appeared in 40 career postseason games across his NHL stops. While he hasn’t yet made a deep playoff run, his exposure to high-pressure hockey provides valuable perspective, especially for a team with championship aspirations.

Kapanen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue with the Oilers, stating through the team’s press release: “I’m excited to be staying in Edmonton and contributing to a team that has its sights set on winning. Last season, I got a taste of what this group is capable of, and I believe we can do something special. I’m looking forward to building on that and doing whatever I can to help the team succeed.”

Fans in Oil Country have met the news with cautious optimism. While expectations for Kapanen may not match those of the team’s star players, his re-signing adds another layer of depth and competition for roster spots, especially as training camp approaches. For a franchise that has endured its share of ups and downs over the past decade, building a well-rounded, competitive roster is essential to sustaining success.

The upcoming season carries significant weight for both Kapanen and the Oilers. For Edmonton, the goal remains clear: contend for the Stanley Cup and capitalize on the prime years of generational talents like McDavid and Draisaitl. For Kapanen, it’s a chance to reignite his career, prove his worth, and potentially earn a more significant role and contract down the line.

As the Oilers prepare for training camp and the start of the new season, the re-signing of Kasperi Kapanen represents one more piece of the puzzle. With speed, experience, and a hunger to contribute, Kapanen will be eager to seize his opportunity and play his part in Edmonton’s quest for hockey’s ultimate prize.

In an offseason where every move is scrutinized for its impact on the team’s championship hopes, bringing back Kapanen on an affordable, short-term deal offers both stability and upside. Time will tell whether he can deliver consistent production and become a difference-maker, but the stage is set for Kapanen to carve out his place in Edmonton’s plans.

For now, both player and team are aligned with a shared objective: winning. With the ink dry on his new contract, Kasperi Kapanen’s next chapter with the Oilers is officially underway.