The Pittsburgh Penguins made their first selection under new General Manager Jim Rutherford tonight at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft held tonight at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
After speculation Rutherford might trade the pick, those rumors were laid to rest with the selection of Kasperi Kapanen of Kalpa of the Finnish Elite League. Kapanen, the son of former NHL forward Sami Kapanen is a skilled right wing prospect who struggled with injury this past season, but at 17, is considered a player with great potential and upside.
Kapanen played at the highest levels of Finland’s Junior hockey leagues and under 18 international team, and was a standout known for his hockey acumen, and scoring touch.
Some fans might question choosing a player who likely will not contribute in the near future, but Kapanen was considered one of the top forwards available in the first round.
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(Photo Credit: www.mtv.fi)
