St. Louis Blues' Kasperi Kapanen In Trouble With The Law

A troubling report out of Finland is not the best way for the St. Louis Blues and Kasperi Kapanen to head into training camp this month. Kapanen is facing an aggravated drunk driving charge in his homeland.

The Blues have confirmed a report that Kasperi Kapanen is facing alcohol-related driving charges that occurred in Finland last month. #stlblues
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) September 8, 2023

Recently named by NHLTR as one of the Blues with the most to prove in 2023-24, this is certainly not a great way for Kapanen to start 'proving' himself.

Complicating matters for the 27-year-old former Toronto Maple Leaf is the fact that he'll become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the coming season.

Although the investigation is ongoing, both Kapanen and Blues GM Doug Armstrong have released statements.

Statements from Kasperi Kapanen and Doug Armstrong. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/OWeHqr7urM
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) September 8, 2023

In a very contrite statement, the 8-year veteran said, "Last month I made an unacceptable error in judgement and take full responsibility for my actions. 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."

Armstrong said "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." Which, from Kapanen's statement, it sounds like he is.

He came to the Blues this past February in a waiver claim from the Pittsburgh Penguins just before the trade deadline, and posted 14 points in 23 games in St. Louis. Since recording a 20-goal season in his first full year with the Leafs in 2018-19, he hasn't been able to replicate the feat in the four years since.

Kapanen was a first-round pick of the Penguins in 2014 (22nd overall), but spent the first five years of his career with Toronto. In 387 NHL games, he has 78 goals and 108 assists for 186 points.

Photo: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports