Kasperi Kapanen News

Kapanen is the latest Penguin to join COVID-19 protocol, making him the eighth player since Boxing Day. The Penguins aren't scheduled to play until Sunday, but at this rate, there's a pretty good chance that it's postponed.

Kapanen has been out since March 24th but has been skating recently and took part in the morning skate on Thursday, lining him up to be a game-time decision vs. the Devils. It's unclear where Kapanen will slot into the lineup but following the addition of Jeff Carter, he could start out on the third line.

Kapanen did not return for the third period of Wednesday's game, so his status for the second half of the back-to-back on Thursday is uncertain. Expect an update around 5 PM ET.

Kapanen missed the first three games of the season due to immigration issues and quarantine but is set to make his Penguins debut on Tuesday. Kapanen is expected to jump right onto the Penguins' top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel vs. Washington.

Kapanen remains in quarantine so he will not be available Friday in Philadelphia but barring any setbacks, head coach Mike Sullivan expects to have him back "fairly soon." Evan Rodrigues will remain on the Penguins' top line with Kapanen still out.

Kapanen is in Finland as he works through immigration issues that have been complicated by COVID-19. HE is not slated to have a visa meeting until later this week and the hopes are that he will be on a plane to Pittsburgh shortly after. However, once he arrives, he would need to quarantine for seven days, which will force him to miss training camp and likely the first game of the regular season.

Kapanen was forced to leave Monday's game in Nashville with an arm injury but he was back on the ice for Tuesday's practice and is expected to play tonight. Kapanen has been held pointless in his last four games but has nine points (2G / 7A) in his last 12.

During his first full season with the Maple Leafs, Kapanen registered 20 goals and 24 assists (44 points) in 78 games. The 22-year-old was quiet during the postseason but should be able to build off of strong start to his NHL career. However, Kapanen’s ceiling may be limited because he is destined to play third-line minutes on a deep Toronto roster.

Kapanen missed Monday’s game with what was called an “illness” but the Maple Leafs listed him as “out” due to a concussion. With Kapanen out, William Nylander moved up to play with Auston Matthews on Monday and is expected to skate there again tonight.

Kapanen has picked up 12 goals and 10 assists (22 points) in 27 games with the Marlies this season. Kapanen had two goals in six games with Toronto earlier this season.

Kapanen appeared in three games with the Maple Leafs during his call-up but returns to the Marlies where he had three goals in six games so far this season.

Kapanen played just 7:31 TOI in his season debut with the Maple Leafs and will replace Josh Leivo in the lineup tonight and play with Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov.