Kasperi Kapanen, one of the most intriguing players to leave this season, was claimed by the St. Louis Blues on Saturday afternoon.
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Since the waiver process goes in the opposite direction of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) standings, it means the Montreal Canadiens have seen fit not to sign the 26-year-old forward. Before the evening’s meetings, the Blues were two points clear of the Habs.
The once-promising right winger has failed to make himself indispensable to the Pittsburgh Penguins, despite having 20 points in 43 games this season. Kapanen spent two and a half years in Pennsylvania.
“I think he can be a productive player. Unfortunately it didn’t work here. There are tough decisions to be made, and that’s what happened with ‘Kappy,'” Penguins general manager Ron Hextall said Friday.
In his career, the Finn has collected 172 points in 364 games. He had his best 2018-19 season with 44 points for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He also has a salary of $3.2 million this season and next.
The Blues are in the midst of turmoil after losing four straight games. On Saturday afternoon they were measured… the penguins.