Niko Kapanen elopes to Russia

[CadenZ]

Here's the link for those of you who can read Finnish...

http://www.yle.fi/urheilu/lajit/jaakiekko/2008/06/niko_kapanen_ak_bars_kazaniin_110185.html

...or Swedish...

http://www.hockeysverige.se/news_show_niko_kapanen_klar_for_kazan.html?id=595905

Niko Kapanen of the Phoenix Coyotes has signed a contract with AK Bars Kazan of the Russian Elite League, states the AK Bars website www.ak-bars.ru (I don't know Russian so I can't read the official statement.)

He was always a little under-sized for the NHL, but had grit and character in his defensive play which at least his coaches seemed to acknowledge. His passing skills came in handy on the PP as well.

Also a bit funny that he's the second Kapanen from Finland to leave the NHL this week, though he's not related to Sami.

Good luck in the East!

 

[sprague11]

I'll miss him, he was my second favorite Kapanen to play in the NHL.

 

[brnnn]

That really stinks. He was a fan favourite with the ladies in Dallas. He has a lot of speed and talent.

It's really too bad he's gone, although the teams he played for didn't always acknowledge his talent. Leaving for Russia is basically kissing your NHL career goodbye!