Former First Round Pick Surprisingly Placed on Waivers by the St Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues organization surprisingly placed Kasperi Kapanen, a former first-round pick, on waivers.
At the moment, only the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators are behind the St. Louis Blues in the Central Division. With an 8-10-1 record, Drew Bannister's team has been performing well under the expectations this season.
On a few occasions this year, coach Bannister had to make decisions related to his lineup, but nothing seems to be working for the Blues.
The team is dealing with multiple injuries throughout the lineup, with Philip Broberg, Torey Krug, and Robert Thomas all sidelined.
Many players were expected to rise while the injured recover, and some aren't able to do the job.
That's the case of Kasperi Kapanen.
The 28-year-old forward drafted 22nd overall in 2014 by the Pittsburgh Penguins has been limited to one goal this season. In his defense, he took part in only ten games, often healthy-scratched by the Blues.
In a new development, it seems that his luck ran out. Indeed, we learned that his organization made a big decision regarding the player: he was placed on waivers.
Elliotte Friedman, the renowned insider, broke the news with the following post on X:
In his career, Kapanen scored 209 points, including 85 goals in 470 NHL games for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Penguins, and Blues.
While his performances may have been underwhelming this season, the Blues could regret parting ways with him. He has enough experience and talent to bounce back this season.
By placing him on waivers, the Blues risk losing him for nothing. With his one-year, one million AAV contract, it wouldn't be surprising to see a team claiming him.
