Former Cane Sami Kapanen Announces Retirement

The Phildelphia Flyers announced on Wednesday that former Hurricane Sami Kapanen has decided to retire after 12 seasons in the NHL at age 34.

Kapanen was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the fourth round of the 1995 NHL Draft. He played 8 seasons with Hartford/Carolina before being traded to the Flyers in February of 2003 in a deal that sent Pavel Brendl and Bruno St. Jacques to the Hurricanes.

Kapanen was best known for his speed on the wing and his gritty play despite his somewhat diminutive size. A fan favorite in both Carolina and Philadelphia, Sami registered career totals of: 189 goals and 269 assists for 458 points and 175 penalty minutes in 831 regular season games. He posted 35 points (13G,22A) and 22 penalty minutes in 87 career Stanley Cup Playoff games.

I always loved Sami, and was amazed over the last few years at how much he had rounded out his game, especially on defense. His role with the Flyers of late had been mainly as a fourth line checker and penalty killer. Surely he had more left in the tank, but look for Kapanen to finish out his pro career in Finland. He is part owner of the KalPa Kuopio club in his hometown of Vantaa, and will likely play for them next season.

UTTR wishes you all the best Sami!

Check out the full story from the N&O HERE.

-m