Former 1st round pick has been underwhelming this season and may be on the trade block

PUBLICATION

Mike Armenti
February 28, 2022 (9:45)

SHARE THIS STORY

A former first round pick could be on the move at the trade deadline after an underwhelming season, according to Josh Yohe of The Athletic. It's been a tough year for Pittsburgh Penguins winger Kasperi Kapanen and both the player and the team are reportedly frustrated.

The Penguins were victorious in back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday against the Rangers and Blue Jackets, respectively, to snap a 3-game losing skid, and while Kapanen found his way onto the scoresheet on Sunday with an assist, it was just his second point in 15 games. For a player with his speed and skill, that's unacceptable and the Pens expect more from the feisty winger.

Yohe did not hold back with his criticism of Kapanen on Friday, suggesting that teams have been able to easily defend him because he lacks any real creativity.

I've never seen a player refuse to go to the net with such conviction. He just won't do it. I don't know if it's fear or arrogance. Kapanen has blazing speed, but when he flies into the zone, he pulls up 95 percent of the time, probably more. Wayne Gretzky did that a great deal, but he was Wayne Gretzky. And even he went to the net plenty. Kapanen pulls up and looks for a trailer with remarkable consistency. He might be the easiest forward in the league to scout.

The trade speculation surrounding Kapanen leading up to the March 21st trade deadline is vast. Is the writing on the wall for the 25-year-old forward?

The speedy Finnish winger has managed just 25 points in 54 games with the Penguins this season, despite seeing plenty of opportunity within the team's top six, alongside players like Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel and Evgeni Malkin.