One thing we have noticed about Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford during his short stint on the job is the fact that he is really high on first-round pick Kaspari Kapanen.
Rutherford inked the 17-year old forward to a three-year entry-level contract on Friday.
There has been some speculation that Kapanen could make the Penguins team out of camp as Rutherford is in love with the speed that he brings.
Kapanen is the son for former NHL star Sami Kapanen, who Rutherford also drafted in the fourth round of the 1995 Draft.
Kapanen was the No. 1-rated European skater by NHL Central Scouting after finishing with seven goals, seven assists and 14 points in 47 games for Kalpa in Finland’s top professional league.
The 5’11”, 180-pound Kapanen has also had plenty of international success already for Finland, scoring five goals at the 2013 World Under-18 Championships, including the game winner in the bronze-medal game.
Kapanen, who was selected with the No. 22 overall pick, is expected to participate in the Penguins development camp next week at Consol Energy Center.
Kapanen’s contract will begin when he turns professional.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
