Oilers’ Kasperi Kapanen Erupts in Frustration After Injury Setback

Kapanen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had been skating on their own in recent days. Both joined the team for practices while the Oilers were at home. Kapanen looked fast and ready for a possible return Saturday. His reaction now raises doubts about that timeline. The team will likely reassess his status before the weekend.

Kapanen has been on long-term injured reserve since November 10. Before the injury, he had two assists in six appearances this season. He also contributed with hits, blocked shots, and energy on the forecheck. The Oilers hoped he would add depth scoring on the wings.

Kapanen, 29, has played 533 NHL games since being drafted by Pittsburgh in 2014. His best production came in Toronto, where he reached 20 goals in 2018-19. His speed and versatility remain valuable, even in a reduced role. His return would help stabilize Edmonton’s bottom six.

The Oilers sit at 10-10-5 and continue to deal with inconsistency. They score well but allow too many goals, sitting near the bottom of the league defensively. Heavy losses and shaky goaltending have added pressure on the roster. Wins over strong teams show potential, but defensive structure remains a priority.

Kapanen’s setback adds another challenge for Edmonton. His status for the coming games is now uncertain as the Oilers aim to regain momentum.