Oilers face backlash after getting revenge and acquiring player formerly charged with aggravated drunk driving

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Sam Walker
November 20, 2024 (3:36 PM)

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Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman addressed the media after rubbing fans the wrong way in Kasperi Kapanen signing

The Edmonton Oilers acquired Kasperi Kapanen via the NHL waiver wire, and it's caused the Oilers to face backlash.

This move, according to fans, was 'revenge' on when the Blues acquired Broberg and Holloway after the Oilers failed to pay them

Kasperi Kapanen is 28-years old and a former first round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2014.

He has been apart of the NHL for over a decade and over the past couple of years, found himself in several different NHL homes.

Kapanen found himself in controversy in the year of 2023 after facing aggravated drunk driving charges

The incident sparked the Blues and Kapanen releasing statements

"Last month I made an unacceptable error in judgement and take full responsibility for my actions," Kapanen said in a statement in 2023. "I offer my apologies to my family, the Blues organization, my teammates, and the fans. I understand the severity of my mistake and am committed to doing everything I can to earn back their trust.»

Doug Armstrong, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager:

«Today we became aware of the incident involving Kasperi and I have spoken with him and his agent. We are disappointed in his lapse of judgement and are entrusting him to make the necessary changes to avoid putting himself in a similar situation in the future.»

Now, Bowman faces backlash for Kapanen's on-ice performances, which aren't the best overall either (compared to his off-ice past).

According to reports, the Oilers and Stan Bowman aren't done either, and are working on moves in the trade-front.

With Corey Perry and Kasperi Kapanen providing depth for the Edmonton Oilers, will it be enough for them to get out of their slump and reach playoff contention?