Pittsburgh Penguins considering putting former first round pick on waivers
Recently, Pittsburgh Penguins beat writer Dave Molinari revealed that the team may be considering putting Kasperi Kapanen on waivers.
Kapanen was formerly a first round pick of the Penguins, but was then traded and began his career in Toronto. In a few impressive years with the Leafs, Kapanen showed off his speed and some secondary scoring production, and was viewed as a player with potential.
However, after proving himself out of Toronto and signing another extension with the Penguins for $3.2M, Kapanen's play has fallen off a cliff. His speed looks more like a weakness, being unable to control himself and stay in position. His scoring element has all but disappeared, with his 20 goal season proving to be his peak. Now with only 1 goal and 5 points in 13 games this season, his poor play has lead to the team considering waivers.
Realistically, the team would be fortunate for another club to claim Kapanen. With his $3.2M owed only this year and no place in the lineup, it could provide some relief to the Penguins and the opportunity to chase another player if he were to be claimed.
Look to see in the coming days if the Penguins make a corresponding move to replace Kapanen, or perhaps for another struggling team to make a reclamation project out of him.
