An update to earlier reports that Kasperi Kapanen will miss some time with the Penguins to start the season, it is now being reported that the newly-acquired forward could miss all of training camp and at least the first game of the regular season with the Pittsburgh Penguins due to an immigration issue. So, for fans who might have had previous concerns about Kapanen, this is not the greatest news to start the Penguins’ season.
Related: Pittsburgh Penguins Preparing for Big 2020-21 In-Season Trade [Report]
It was previously reported by TRIBLIVE.COM that the winger will miss the Jan. 3 start of training camp because of the issue. That this issue may extend past camp into the regular season isn’t wonderful news from a team perspective.
As per a report from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, “Rutherford said the club doesn’t yet know for certain when Kapanen will arrive or when he’ll be available to play.” They add, as per NHL rules, players who travel to take part in training camp will have to go through a seven-day quarantine that includes COVID testing on Days 1, 3, 5 and 7. That means, even when Kapanen arrives, he won’t be able to join the team right away, he’ll need to be sidelined at least another week.
The 24-year-old winger was acquired by the Penguins last August in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Expectations were that he would play a large role in the Penguins top six and help keep the closing window to win open as a potential playoff contender.
Next: Leafs Head Coach Confirms Thornton Gets Shocking Role to Start Season
