Following a promising first season with the Penguins in 2020-21, the sky appeared to be the limit for Kasperi Kapanen. Indeed, the native of Kuopio, Finland and son of former NHLer Sami Kapanen seemed poised to fulfill the promise that prompted former GM Jim Rutherford to select him 22nd overall in the 2014 Entry Draft.
Pens coach Mike Sullivan, for one, envisioned great things for the fleet winger.
“I’ve told him I think he has the potential to be an elite player in this league,” Sully said.