Oilers’ Kasperi Kapanen expected to be out for “about a week”

The Edmonton Oilers will be down a forward the next few games.

Head coach Kris Knobluach revealed Tuesday that winger Kasperi Kapanen will miss about a week with injury.

“It looks like about a week for Kapanen,” Knoblauch

— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) January 20, 2026

While the exact nature of Kapanen’s injury is unknown, he sustained it during Sunday’s 5-0 win over the St. Louis Blues when he lost his balance on the backcheck and crashed into the end boards. He appeared to be limping while heading to the dressing room.

Kapanen injury. pic.twitter.com/763Cdu1htR

— Tough Call Podcast🎙️ 🇨🇦 (@ToughCallPod) January 19, 2026

Kapanen, 29, has already missed significant time this season due to a knee injury he suffered in October. In just 14 games played this season, the Finnish national has three goals and six assists for nine points.

The Oilers acquired Kapanen when they claimed him off waivers from the Blues in November of 2024. In 57 games played for Edmonton last season, he notched five goals and eight assists for 13 points. He also contributed three goals and three assists for six points in 12 playoff games during the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup finals.

Initially selected in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kapanen has played for four franchises over 11 seasons. His best year to date came in 2018-19, when he put up 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points in 78 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Knoblauch also said that star forward Leon Draisaitl is expected to rejoin the Oilers “later this week.”

Leon Draisaitl expected back later this week according to coach Kris Knoblauch. #Oilers #NHL

— Derek Van Diest (@DerekVanDiest) January 20, 2026

Draisaitl is currently on a leave of absence from the team due to a family illness. Based on Knoblauch’s indication, look for the German national to return for Thursday’s game against the Penguins or possibly Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals.

Edmonton will play the second game of an eight-game homestand when they host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.