What Kasperi Kapanen Brings To The Oilers
Stan Bowman and Kris Knoblauch provide insight into Kasperi Kapanen's game.
Douglas DeFelice-Imagn Images - What Kasperi Kapanen Brings To The OilersEDMONTON -- The waiver wire is a surefire bet for bringing entertainment.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUvDw8LoCvY[/embed]
And yesterday, Edmonton Oilers fans were treated to something new: the Oilers claimed someone off the waiver wire.
Kasperi Kapanen is the newest member of the Oilers, courtesy of the aforementioned waiver wire. But what kind of player are the Oilers getting?
Speed, Speed, Speed
Stan Bowman spoke to Tony Brar yesterday. In his brief interview he highlighted the biggest strength of Kapanen's game.
"When you think of Kapanen, you think of speed," Bowman revealed. "I think he brings a lot of skating to our team, that's something you can never have too much of.
"He's a guy who can really move."
In his pre-game media availability, Kris Knoblauch echoed similar thoughts.
"(He) adds speed to our lineup," Knoblauch told the media present in Ottawa, "he's a tremendous skater."
Penalty Kill And More
Kapanen has a couple of other areas he's can help in as well. Knoblauch hinted toward a grittier aspect of his style.
"(He's) a player that does play physical, he finishes his checks," Knoblauch revealed. This kind of physical play lends itself to utility up and down the roster.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmWixR1F7MA[/embed]
Speaking of utility, Bowman mentioned his ability to contribute on special teams.
"He's been on the penalty kill," Bowman told Brar. "he's had a couple different roles."
Bowman summarized what Oilers fans can expect out of the winger.
"When he's playing his best hockey, he's got skill, he can push the pace," Bowman revealed. "He can make plays, he can score."
Sounds like a welcome addition to a forward group that could use someone of his talents.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.