Kapanen returning to Kalpa lineup

Monday, 10.07.2013 / 3:54 PM

By Mike G. Morreale - NHL.com Staff Writer / 2014 NHL Draft blog

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Kapanen returning to Kalpa lineup

The top 2014 NHL Draft-eligible prospect from Finland, forward Kasperi Kapanen, will return to the lineup for Kalpa in SM-liiga on Tuesday after sitting out the past three games with a lower-body injury.

Kapanen, an "A"-rated prospect on NHL Central Scouting's preliminary players to watch list of the top prospects from Finland, sustained his injury Sept. 24. According to European Director of Central Scouting, Goran Stubb, Kapanen is expected to resume his role on the team's top line, alongside his father Sami, against HIFK on Tuesday.

Kapanen (5-foot-11, 172 pounds) has a goal and two points in four games for Kalpa in SM-liiga in 2013-14. Barring injury, he'll likely play for Finland at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship in Malmo, Sweden. Kapanen had eight points, including a team-leading five goals, for Finland at the 2013 WJC.

"Kasperi is at present the No. 1 European prospect," Stubb told NHL.com. "He's a sniper who will play for Finland at the 2014 World Junior Championship. He possesses excellent vision and has great skills … he's a star in the making."

For more on Kapanen and him being a third-generation star in SM-liiga, click here.

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