Kasperi Kapanen's 2024-25 season with the Edmonton Oilers was a story of finding a home and contributing in unexpected ways. After being claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Blues in November, Kapanen injected much-needed speed into the Oilers lineup. While initially a depth addition, he occasionally found himself in the top six, often playing alongside Leon Draisaitl.

Regular Season Performance

In 57 games with the Oilers, Kapanen recorded five goals and eight assists for 13 points. He also played 10 games with the Blues, scoring one goal. While his offensive output wasn't overwhelming, his speed and occasional flashes of skill were evident. However, he struggled with consistency, being impactful in some games and virtually invisible in others. His minus-16 rating with the Oilers was the worst of his career. Despite his struggles, Kapanen's underlying numbers showed a physical element to his game and an ability to generate high-quality scoring chances.

Some analysts gave Kapanen a D+ grade for his regular season performance, citing inconsistency and a lack of offensive production for a player who sometimes played in the top six. Others were more generous, acknowledging his role as a valuable player who could fill in higher in the lineup when needed and gave him a C+ grade.

Playoff Impact

Kapanen elevated his game in the playoffs. He started the playoffs outside the lineup but made his debut in Game 4 of the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights. He scored the overtime winner in Game 5 against Vegas, a series-clinching goal that sent the Oilers to the Western Conference Final. He also scored twice against the Dallas Stars in Games 4 and 5, helping the Oilers secure a Stanley Cup Final berth. In 12 playoff games, Kapanen tallied three goals and three assists for six points. He also contributed a physical presence, averaging 3.5 hits per game.

His playoff performance earned him a B- grade from some analysts. His clutch goals and energy provided a boost to the team. Kapanen's most common linemate in the playoffs was Leon Draisaitl, with Kapanen assisting on one of Draisaitl's goals in the Stanley Cup Final and Draisaitl assisting on two of Kapanen's playoff goals.

Overall Assessment

Kapanen's 2024-25 season can be viewed as a tale of two halves. His regular season was marked by inconsistency, but he found his stride in the playoffs, becoming a valuable contributor to the Oilers' success. For a waiver claim acquired for a low cap hit, Kapanen exceeded expectations. He brought speed, physicality, and timely goals to the team.

Overall, Kapanen received a C+ grade for his season. He signed a one-year, $1.3 million extension with the Oilers, a deal that was considered a steal compared to other bottom-six contracts. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Kapanen will compete for a bottom-six role, where he is expected to provide speed, energy, and occasional offensive contributions. With additions to the Oilers roster, Kapanen's role may be more defined, but his ability to step up in key moments makes him a valuable asset.