Back Stories: Kapanen "the Lesser"

"You have received a trading card autographed by Kasperi Kapanen in the presence of a representative of The Upper Deck Company or provided, and certified as to it's authenticity, by Kasperi Kapanen. Enjoy your autograph card!" Signed -- The Richard P. McWilliam Family

Ok, so I know that's not really a story on the back of this card but since this is a mailday post, I gotta work with what I have, right? 

Kapanen was always an enigma for the Penguins if you ask me. Each time he was with the organization, he was expendable. They spent a 1st round pick on him in 2014 just to trade him to the Maple Leafs the following summer. Just as he was looking to have solid 20-30 point regular potential, the Pens picked him back up. After a decent, but shortened, season, he followed that up with nothing but disappointment. Failure on his part, management's part, coaches' part, probably all three for sure, but he just wasn't used the way he needed to be. He was claimed off waivers by the Blues back in February of 2023 looking to bolster some scoring capability. He finished that season with 14 points in his last 23 games so it wasn't completely horrible. However, he finished the 2023/24 season with six goals and 22 points. I won't even bring up his off-ice issues he's struggled with either.  

But somehow, someway, I've always had a soft spot for Mr. Kapanen. Maybe it's that I feel he still has untapped potential. Maybe it's that I always want my teams #1 pick to be a success. Maybe it's because I used to watch his dad play in the NHL and have always had the expectation of that same level of staying power, completeness, toughness, and professionalism.

 

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