Former Penguins Winger Placed on Waivers: Three Teams Highlighted as Possible Landing Spots

According to Sportsnet Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, the St. Louis Blues are placing winger Kasperi Kapanen on waivers, the 28-year-old now eligible to be claimed by all 31 other teams, while being affordable signed at $1M for this season.

Kapanen, 28, has just one point in 10 games for the Blues this season. Kapanen had 6 goals and 22 points the season prior with St. Louis. Kapanen was claimed off waivers by the Blues from the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023, where he excelled in his new setting with 8 goals and 14 points in 23 games for the club.

The Blues currently sit sixth in the NHL's Central Division with a 8-10-1 record in 19 games, currently with 17 points, which ties Utah who have two additional games in hand on St. Louis.

Three teams that could offer a place for Kapanen, two of whom are former destinations.

One team could be the Toronto Maple Leafs, who Kapanen started his NHL career with, having played five seasons in Toronto.

The Leafs need bottom-six support as forward Calle Jarnkrok is out month-to-month after undergoing hernia surgery, leaving a hole in their lineup.

Toronto is also without forward Ryan Reaves, who was suspended five games due to a check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.

Another option could be the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kapanen was drafted by the team back in 2014 and played three seasons before being acquired off waivers by St. Louis.

The Penguins, currently in a crossroads over the team's future, with a rebuild looking exceedingly likely. Kapanen could be a short-term offensive option if key forward pieces are to depart.

One final option could be the Chicago Blackhawks, where the team is looking for more offense and has been experimenting with their lineup, including scratching former MVP Taylor Hall, who himself could be on the trade block

Chicago has first priority over waivers by being last in the standings percentage, with San Jose and Montreal in second and third.