Kasperi Kapanen Bio
Samu Kasperi Kapanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey right wing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He made his Liiga debut playing with KalPa during the 2012–13 SM-liiga season. Kapanen was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, 22nd overall, of the 2014 NHL entry draft.
Early Life and Background
Kasperi Kapanen was born on July 23, 1996, in Kuopio, Finland. He spent much of his formative years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his father, Sami Kapanen, played for the Philadelphia Flyers. Despite being born in Finland, he considers himself a Philadelphia native. Kapanen has three siblings: Cassandra, Camila, and Konsta. His family has a rich hockey heritage, as he is the grandson of former professional ice hockey player Hannu Kapanen and the cousin of Oliver Kapanen.
Path to Hockey
Kapanen began his hockey journey in the junior leagues, making his bantam debut with KalPa’s under-16 affiliate. He quickly progressed through the ranks, showcasing his scoring ability. By the age of 15, he was playing for the under-18 team in the Jr. B SM-Sarja, where he continued to excel. Kapanen’s performance earned him a spot on the Finland under-18 national team, where he helped secure a bronze medal at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships. His impressive junior career set the stage for his entry into professional hockey.
Kasperi Kapanen Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Kapanen made his professional debut in the SM-liiga with KalPa during the 2012–13 season. He was drafted 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Following his draft, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Penguins in July 2014. During the 2014–15 season, he played primarily with the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in July 2015.
Breakthrough (2016–2020)
Kapanen made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 29, 2016. He played nine games that season, recording no points, but was a key player in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. His breakthrough came during the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, where he scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Russia, securing a gold medal for Finland. Kapanen continued to develop with the Maple Leafs, scoring his first NHL goal on April 8, 2017, against the Penguins. He became known for his speed and scoring ability, contributing significantly to the Maple Leafs’ playoff run.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kapanen’s signature moment came during the 2016 World Junior Championship, where he played a pivotal role in Finland’s gold medal victory. He also became the youngest player in NHL history to score a shorthanded goal in a Game 7 during the 2018 playoffs.
Kasperi Kapanen Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Kapanen has been recognized for his contributions to the sport, particularly during his time with the Finnish national team and in the NHL playoffs.
Kasperi Kapanen Awards Won
Kapanen’s most notable achievement is winning the World Junior Ice Hockey Gold Medal in 2016, a highlight of his early career.
Kasperi Kapanen Family
Kasperi Kapanen comes from a family with a strong hockey background. His father, Sami Kapanen, is a former NHL player, and his grandfather, Hannu Kapanen, also played professionally. He has three siblings, all of whom have been involved in sports.
Personal Life
Kapanen has faced challenges off the ice, including a recent legal issue related to aggravated drunk driving, which is set to be heard in court in 2024. Despite these challenges, he remains focused on his hockey career and continues to live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he has established his professional life.
