Penguins select Kasperi Kapanen with 22nd overall pick in NHL Draft

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The Pittsburgh Penguins selected forward Kasperi Kapanen with the 22nd overall pick of the 2014 NHL Draft on Friday.

The top-rated European skater in the draft pool, Kapanen is an offensively gifted player who cut his teeth in the pro game playing alongside his father and former NHLer Sami with SM-Liiga's KalPa. 

Kapanen possesses elite, game-breaking abilities, and has been likened to Patrick Kane and Ilya Kovalchuk; a strong skater, he's able to play at both ends of the ice, with a dangerous combination of puck handling, passing and shooting skills.

As per Goran Stubb, the NHL's Director of European Scouting, Kapanen is "a good-skating wing and can also play center. He has a smooth and surprisingly fast style that has surprised many unsuspecting defensemen. His tricky puck skills and quick release have paid off in many games and he has good hand-eye coordination. He’s not overly physical, but does not shy away from rough situations."