The Edmonton Oilers are playing well, and while the stars are being the stars, credit should go to a few players who are considered depth pieces on the team. It takes a village to win the Stanley Cup, and the Oilers are learning that as good as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are, the value offered by guys like Ty Emberson, Kasperi Kapanen, Connor Brown, and others is often immeasurable. As such, it might be wise for the Oilers to consider signing some of these players to contracts while bargains are still there to be had.
Over the next few days, we will look at three players the Oilers might want to talk about a contract extension with sooner rather than later. After looking at Ty Emberson, the second is the newly acquired waiver-wire pickup Kasperi Kapanen.
Kapanen Has Pleasantly Surprised Oilers Fans
If there were doubters, Kasperi Kapanen has silenced most of them. His critics — who have to admit they knew little about how he’d perform in Edmonton but likely assumed he wouldn’t do much — are finding out he’s a solid fit with one of the team’s best players.
Since joining the Oilers, he’s proven to be a reliable and productive addition to the lineup. Initially viewed as a wildcard due to inconsistent performances with the St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburg Penguins, Kapanen has embraced his role in Edmonton, particularly thriving amid the team’s injury woes.
Kapanen’s speed and defensive improvements have been notable, allowing him to carve out a spot on the Oilers’ second line alongside Leon Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin. The chemistry he has developed has proven to be rare, and much like the Oilers did with their third line this summer, the team should invest in keeping it intact. Even as injured players return, this line has remained together—a sign of its growing importance.
What Will Kapanen Cost the Oilers to Retain On an Extension?
Kapanen hasn’t set the world on fire offensively since arriving (three goals and four points in 14 games), but no one has been hotter than Draisaitl and Kapanen has played a key role in that. His ability to adapt to the team’s system and deliver consistent performances has raised questions about his long-term future with the club. If Kapanen continues to impress, the Oilers might consider signing him to a cost-effective contract extension to secure his services beyond this season.
The Mattias Janmark extension might be a comparable for Kapanen. The Oilers signed him to a three-year deal worth $1.45 million per season. If Edmonton can get Kapanen on a two-year around $1.25 million, it would be a wise gamble.
If Kapanen continues his strong play and Draisaitl favors his presence on the line, retaining him could be a strategic move for the Oilers. Around $1.25 million is fair money, given where the salary cap will go, and the Oilers will need contracts they can maneuver around.
