Kasperi Kapanen is returning to where it all began.
On Tuesday, the 24-year-old was shipped to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a packaged deal for Jim Rutherford's first-round pick and more. Kapanen was drafted 24th overall by the Penguins in 2014 but never played a regular season game for them. All 202 games of the Finn's career to date were played in Toronto so naturally he was feeling a little emotional after the transaction was completed. He took to social media to share a special message for Leafs fans, but made sure to include a photo of himself in a Penguins jersey from back in the day.
Yeah, this writer would be pretty excited too if he had the chance to play with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin!
Kapanen's time in the 6ix was somewhat of a roller-coaster. After breaking out with 20 goals and 24 assists in the 2018-19 season, and signing a three-year, $9.6 million deal in the offseason, 'Kapi" tallied 36 points and just two assists through five playoff games this summer. Known for his speed, he should add plenty to an aging Pittsburgh core.
As far as the first round pick the Leafs received, general manager Kyle Dubas made it clear that he's open to trading it if it's for the right price.
Goodbyes are never easy but at least Penguins fans will finally be able to see what their 2014 first-rounder is all about.
(H/T Kasperi Kapanen)
