The Edmonton Oilers are expected to lose out on another pending unrestricted free agent with forward Kasperi Kapanen expected to let his contract run out and test the free agent market on July 1st.
Appearing on the Oilersnation Everyday podcast, NHL insider from the Fourth Period, David Pagnotta revealed that the 29 year old Finnish winger is expected to hit the open market. Saying "I could be wrong on Kapanen but I think he's also going to market."
In addition to Kapanen, Pagnotta revealed that two other pending UFAs are expected to be gone. He revealed that both Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique would be leaving to test the free agency waters next month.
UFAs testing the market opens holes
The Oilers originally acquired Kapanen by claiming him off waivers in November 2024 from the St. Louis Blues, who also acquired him off waivers. -Through 98 regular season games with the Oilers, he has scored 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points. He added 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in 18 playoff games.
Since his acquisition, Kapanen has been a productive top-nine forward whose speed and two-way play has made him a useful secondary player. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as he spent portions of this season on a line with Leon Draisaitl, as well as on the Oilers' de facto shutdown line with Jason Dickinson.
In addition to Kapanen, the Oilers are expected to lose Roslovic and Henrique. Roslovic signed a one-year deal worth $1.5 million and has been with the Oilers throughout this past season playing in 69 regular season games, scoring 21 goals and 15 assists for 36 points, adding one assist in six games in the postseason.
Roslovic was a great depth addition at a very low cost, allowing the Oilers to stay within the NHL salary cap limit and still receive legitimate middle-six scoring from a player who could play both centre and wing. He was due for a raise and despite his relatively strong play for Edmonton, his contract may have priced him out of town.
The 36 year old Henrique has been with the Oilers since being acquired ahead of the 2024 NHL trade deadline. He has spent two and a half seasons with the club, playing 168 games and scoring 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points. The veteran heavily declined with the Oilers and was expected to be a player the team walked away from.
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