The Edmonton Oilers head into the 2025-26 season looking to get key contributions from role players throughout the lineup. In particular, the bottom six forward group will play a crucial role in helping all-world talents Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl succeed.
But there’s one player in particular that the Oilers hope can play a meaningful role. That player is Kasperi Kapanen. Kapanen was the unlikely hero in the Oilers’ second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights this past spring. He scored the overtime winner that sent Edmonton to the Western Conference Final.
Despite his playoff heroics, Kapanen’s role on the Oilers is hardly guaranteed. According to Daily Faceoff, he’s projected to suit up on the club’s fourth line with Adam Henrique at center and Mattias Janmark on the other wing.
That situation could mean that the former first-round pick from the 2014 NHL Draft may face the possibility of hitting waivers at some point this season.
It’s worth pointing out that the Oilers claimed Kapanen off waivers from the St. Louis Blues in November of last year. He had played 10 games and had just one goal to show for his time with the Blues.
So, Edmonton, needing forward depth, took a flyer on Kapanen. He ended up playing 57 games, scoring five goals and adding eight assists for 13 points. Hardly mind-blowing numbers, but good enough to keep him on the team.
In the postseason, Kapanen was solid. He registered three goals and six points in 12 games. That performance earned him a one-year $1.3 million contract this offseason.
Oilers Consistently Searching for Cheap Depth
A top-heavy team like the Edmonton Oilers is consistently searching for cheap depth. They need to find role players on affordable contracts who can support the big guns atop the lineup.
That’s what Kapanen will need to do this season. If he can’t, the Oilers will need to consider other options. The waiver wire is always active during the season. So, it would be that another solid pickup could be on the horizon.
That situation could squeeze Kapanen out of the lineup. As such, the 29-year-old will need to live up to his one-year deal this season.
Edmonton Has Internal Options to Push Kapanen
Kasperi Kapanen isn’t the only veteran forward on an affordable deal. The Oilers also have David Tomasek in the depth chart. Tomasek is a European signing who’s shown significant ability overseas. He scored 24 goals in 47 games in the Swedish league last season.
Tomasek should get a good look in camp this fall. He could end up claiming a bottom-six spot if he has a solid camp.
Also, Edmonton has the former 2013 first-round Curtis Lazar, in the system. The 30-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Oilers after spending last season with the New Jersey Devils. In 48 games, he chipped in two goals and five points.
Overall, these depth options could push for a more prominent role in the Oilers’ bottom-six. If Kapanen struggles, a player such as Tomasek or Lazar could overtake him on the club’s depth chart.
If that’s the case, fans might see Kapanen hit the waiver wire for the second season in a row.
Oilers Playoff Hero Could Hit Waivers this Season