:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68615314/1206569476.0.jpg)
When the Penguins open their training camp today at PPG Paints Arena, they’ll be without the services of forward Kasperi Kapanen.
This comes due to Kapanen having immigration issues, according to multiple reports.
Finnish forward Kasperi Kapanen won't be in Pittsburgh for the start of Penguins training camp today. https://t.co/lOXms2jRW0
— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) January 3, 2021
According to the Mike DeFabo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Kapanen will not be available for the Penguins first game of the season on January 13th against the Flyers in Philadelphia.
DeFabo says that Kapanen is currently in Finland and is set to have a visa meeting this week.
Once Kapanen arrives in the United States, he will have to adhere to a mandatory 7-day quarantine period as required by the NHL, given the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Kapanen was acquired in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs in August.
During the offseason, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said that the plan was for Kapanen to begin the year playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel.
The only real concern for camp is the absence of Kapanen. With no preseason, this missed time is critical towards building a relationship with Guentzel and Crosby. If you already had concerns about his ability to fill that role, this isn’t a great start.
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) January 3, 2021
When the on ice portion training camp opens today, one would assume we might get a little glimpse into who Sullivan might have in mind to fill Kapanen’s spot, assuming it’s just a temporary issue.