Oilers provide a promising update on injured forward Kasperi Kapanen at practice
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Jack Sutherland
Jan 4, 2026 (6:47 PM)
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Photo credit: Yardbarker
There was an encouraging update on Edmonton Oilers forward Kasperi Kapanen during a recent practice session after their 5-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Edmonton Oilers utility forward Kasperi Kapanen has only played in six games so far this year, but could be close to returning to the ice.
Back at practice on New Year's Eve, Kapanen had been out since October 19 against the Red Wings in which he suffered a lower-body injury, which was followed by a setback the following month.
But he said that the hardest part of not playing was the mental aspect and missing out on road trips.
It's never fun to be out of the lineup, and obviously hurting it in practice is very frustrating. But I think mentally, probably the hardest part is just not being on the ice and then not going on the road with the team.
It was literally the last play of practice, too I felt my leg get caught in the ice again, and I kind of twisted it. Obviously, I saw the video afterwards, and I felt bad for my reaction, but that kind of came out with the frustration and disappointment, obviously, being that close to coming back to line up. - Kasperi Kapanen
It was literally the last play of practice, too I felt my leg get caught in the ice again, and I kind of twisted it. Obviously, I saw the video afterwards, and I felt bad for my reaction, but that kind of came out with the frustration and disappointment, obviously, being that close to coming back to line up. - Kasperi Kapanen
Kapanen was acquired by the Oilers from the St. Louis Blues last year off waivers.
Oilers Coach Kris Knoblauch Said That Kasperi Kapanen Is Close To Returning
Per Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch, Kapanen is "definitely" close to returning, and could even be back at some point later this week.
He's getting very close, and if it's not Tuesday, probably Thursday. But definitely sometime this week. Gotta see how the practices go. But I know he's champing at the bit. He wants to play. We'd like to have him back. - Kris Knoblauch
Kapanen has played in only six games so far this year and has two assists. Last year, he had 14 points (6G, 8A) split between the St. Louis Blues and Oilers.
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JANVIER 4 | 114 ANSWERS Oilers provide a promising update on injured forward Kasperi Kapanen at practice Can Kasperi Kapanen stay healthy for the rest of the year? | ||
| Yes | 49 | 43 % |
| No | 65 | 57 % |
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