Kasperi Kapanen Family: Wife, Children, Parents, and Siblings

Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Janet Asprin

Kasperi Kapanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who plays for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on July 23, 1996, in Kuopio, Finland, he comes from one of Finland’s most recognizable hockey families, with several generations involved in professional ice hockey.

Kasperi Kapanen is married to Finnish social media influencer Matleena Kapanen, formerly Matleena Laakso. The couple has one son named Luka Leander Kapanen, born in February 2026. His parents are Sami Kapanen and Petra Kapanen, and he has three younger siblings: Cassandra, Camilla, and Konsta Kapanen.

His father, grandfather, younger brother, uncle, and cousins have all been involved in competitive hockey, making the Kapanen family particularly well known in Finnish sporting circles.

Kasperi Kapanen’s Wife: Who Is Matleena Laakso?

Kasperi Kapanen is married to Matleena Kapanen, a Finnish social media influencer and content creator whose maiden name is Matleena Laakso.

Matleena is known for sharing content about fashion, beauty, travel, and everyday life through social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok.

The couple began appearing together publicly around 2022 and subsequently developed a relationship that attracted attention from Finnish entertainment publications.

Although the exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been reliably documented, Kasperi and Matleena maintained their relationship while he continued playing professional hockey in North America.

They frequently traveled between Finland and Canada, spending time together during the NHL season and summer breaks.

On December 24, 2024, Kasperi proposed to Matleena, and the couple announced their engagement through photographs shared on Instagram.

The announcement received congratulations from family members, including Kasperi’s father, Sami Kapanen, and mother, Petra.

After their engagement, the couple began planning their wedding in Finland.

Kasperi Kapanen and Matleena Laakso’s Wedding

Kasperi Kapanen and Matleena Laakso celebrated their wedding on August 1, 2025, in Helsinki, Finland.

The ceremony and reception took place at The Hotel Maria, a luxury hotel located in the Kruununhaka neighborhood of Helsinki.

According to Finnish publication Seiska, Matleena later revealed that the couple had officially married on July 31, one day before their larger wedding celebration.

The wedding featured elegant decorations, formal attire, and a celebration attended by relatives and friends.

Matleena wore a white strapless wedding dress with a long veil, while Kasperi wore a light-colored pinstripe suit.

Following the ceremony, the couple shared photographs of their special day on social media.

The Edmonton Oilers also publicly congratulated Kasperi and Matleena on their marriage.

Their wedding took place during the same weekend that Edmonton teammate Leon Draisaitl married actress Celeste Desjardins in France.

After their wedding, Kasperi and Matleena traveled to Greece for their honeymoon.

Matleena Kapanen’s Life in Edmonton

Following their marriage, Matleena continued living with Kasperi in Edmonton, Alberta, where he plays professional hockey.

Although the couple maintains close connections to Finland, their family life is largely based in Canada during the NHL season.

Matleena has continued producing lifestyle content while supporting her husband’s hockey career.

In September 2025, she and Kasperi announced that they were expecting their first child.

The couple shared photographs and a video celebrating the pregnancy, attracting congratulations from fans and friends.

The announcement came approximately one month after their wedding celebration.

The following February, the couple welcomed their first son, beginning a new chapter in their family life.

Kasperi Kapanen’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?

Kasperi Kapanen and his wife, Matleena, have one publicly documented child, a son named Luka Leander Kapanen.

Luka was born on February 5, 2026, in Canada.

His arrival was confirmed through social media announcements from his parents and subsequently reported by Finnish and Canadian media outlets.

Luka Leander Kapanen: Kasperi Kapanen’s Son

Luka Leander Kapanen is the first child of Kasperi and Matleena Kapanen.

He was born on February 5, 2026, approximately six months after his parents celebrated their wedding in Helsinki.

Matleena announced his arrival on Instagram, sharing photographs of their newborn son and revealing his full name and date of birth.

On February 9, 2026, Finnish broadcaster MTV Uutiset published an article confirming the birth.

Kasperi also celebrated becoming a father through an Instagram announcement, thanking supporters for their congratulations and expressing happiness about welcoming Luka into their lives.

The Edmonton Oilers congratulated the family on the birth.

Becoming a father represented an important personal milestone for Kapanen, who had previously spoken about the value of family relationships.

Luka Meets His Grandfather and Great-Grandfather

One of the family’s most memorable moments occurred in July 2026, when Kasperi and Matleena traveled to Finland with their newborn son.

During the visit, Luka met his grandfather, Sami Kapanen, and great-grandfather, Hannu Kapanen.

On July 4, 2026, Kasperi shared a photograph featuring four generations of the Kapanen family.

The photograph showed Kasperi holding Luka alongside Sami and Hannu.

Finnish entertainment publication Seiska reported that the occasion marked the first time the family members had gathered together with the baby.

The moment was especially meaningful because three generations of the family had already established careers in professional hockey.

In August 2026, Sami discussed becoming a grandfather during an interview with Seiska.

He described Luka as a cheerful baby who had brought considerable happiness to the family.

Later, in November 2026, Kasperi and Matleena shared photographs from a family trip to New York with Luka.

The images showed the couple enjoying time together with their young son, demonstrating how parenthood had become an important part of their lives outside hockey.

Kasperi Kapanen’s Parents

Kasperi Kapanen was born to Sami Kapanen and Petra Kapanen in Kuopio, Finland.

Although he was born in Finland, Kasperi spent much of his childhood in the United States because of his father’s NHL career.

His parents raised four children while moving between different North American cities, including communities in Connecticut, North Carolina, and New Jersey.

Kasperi Kapanen’s Father: Sami Kapanen

Sami Kapanen is Kasperi Kapanen’s father and a former Finnish professional ice hockey player who enjoyed a successful NHL career.

Born on June 14, 1973, in Vantaa, Finland, Sami grew up in a family already closely connected to ice hockey.

His father, Hannu Kapanen, was a professional hockey player who represented Finland internationally.

Following his family’s sporting tradition, Sami developed into one of Finland’s leading hockey talents.

He began his professional career with KalPa in Finland before joining the NHL.

The Hartford Whalers selected Sami in the fourth round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

During his NHL career, he represented the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers.

Sami appeared in 831 NHL regular-season games and recorded 458 points.

He also represented Finland at major international competitions, including the Winter Olympics and IIHF World Championships.

After retiring as a player, Sami became involved in hockey coaching and management.

His coaching career has included positions with KalPa, HC Lugano, and Pelicans.

How Sami Kapanen Influenced His Son’s Career

Sami played an important role in introducing Kasperi to hockey.

Because Sami was an NHL player, Kasperi grew up surrounded by professional athletes, training facilities, and hockey equipment.

During his father’s years with the Philadelphia Flyers, Kasperi frequently accompanied him to games and practices.

He spent time playing miniature hockey with other players’ children inside arenas and dressing-room facilities.

In a 2021 interview with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kasperi recalled how those childhood experiences helped develop his love for hockey.

The father and son eventually shared the ice as professional teammates with KalPa in Finland.

During parts of the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons, both represented the same organization, providing a rare opportunity for two generations to play together.

Sami has continued supporting Kasperi throughout his NHL career.

Their relationship received additional attention in 2025 when Kasperi reached the Stanley Cup Final with the Edmonton Oilers.

Sami had previously appeared in the Stanley Cup Final during his own NHL career, creating a family connection between their professional achievements.

Kasperi Kapanen’s Mother: Petra Kapanen

Petra Kapanen is Kasperi Kapanen’s mother and an important figure in his upbringing.

She raised Kasperi and his three younger siblings while the family lived in both Finland and the United States.

Although Petra has maintained a relatively private public profile, her role in the family’s hockey journey has been documented through interviews with Kasperi and Sami.

During Sami’s years in the NHL, Petra helped manage the responsibilities of raising four children while the family relocated between different cities.

In a 2021 interview with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kasperi recalled that his mother sometimes brought the children to Philadelphia Flyers games.

He described attending those games as a memorable part of his childhood.

Petra has remained supportive of Kasperi’s personal milestones.

In December 2024, she publicly congratulated him and Matleena following their engagement.

She also expressed affection for the couple and welcomed their relationship.

In November 2026, Petra commented warmly on photographs Kasperi and Matleena shared from their New York family trip with Luka.

Although additional information about her professional background is limited, Petra remains connected to her children and grandchildren.

Kasperi Kapanen’s Siblings

Kasperi Kapanen has three younger siblings: two sisters named Cassandra and Camilla Kapanen and one brother named Konsta Kapanen.

Their identities are confirmed by the Pittsburgh Penguins’ official player feature published in 2021.

Kasperi is the oldest of the four children.

Cassandra Kapanen: Kasperi Kapanen’s Sister

Cassandra Kapanen is one of Kasperi Kapanen’s younger sisters.

She was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, during the period when her father, Sami, was playing professional hockey in the United States.

Unlike Kasperi and Konsta, Cassandra pursued gymnastics rather than competitive ice hockey.

According to a 2021 interview with the Pittsburgh Penguins, she previously represented Finland’s national gymnastics team.

Kasperi spoke positively about his sisters’ achievements, describing their athletic abilities and commitment to training.

He also explained that gymnastics requires considerable dedication and discipline, particularly for athletes hoping to compete internationally.

Although Cassandra has been mentioned in interviews about the Kapanen family, additional verified information about her current occupation and personal relationships is limited.

Camilla Kapanen: Kasperi Kapanen’s Sister

Camilla Kapanen is Kasperi Kapanen’s other younger sister.

Like Cassandra, Camilla was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, while the family was living in the United States.

She also pursued competitive gymnastics and previously represented Finland at national-team level.

In his Pittsburgh Penguins interview, Kasperi expressed admiration for his sisters’ athletic achievements.

He acknowledged that their participation in gymnastics required intense training and considerable personal commitment.

Although ice hockey became the family’s most recognizable sport, Cassandra and Camilla demonstrated that athletic talent extended beyond the rink.

The sisters have maintained relatively private lives compared with their brothers, who have received extensive media coverage through their hockey careers.

Konsta Kapanen: Kasperi Kapanen’s Younger Brother

Konsta Kapanen is Kasperi Kapanen’s youngest sibling and a professional Finnish ice hockey player.

He was born on September 29, 2003, in the United States while his father was playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Konsta grew up watching Kasperi and Sami play hockey and developed an interest in following their example.

He later joined KalPa’s junior hockey development system in Kuopio, Finland.

Konsta progressed through the organization’s youth teams before making his senior professional debut in Finland’s top hockey league.

He also represented Finland at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.

In the 2024–25 season, Konsta helped KalPa win the Finnish Liiga championship.

The achievement was particularly meaningful because the organization had strong connections to multiple generations of the Kapanen family.

In February 2026, NHL.com published an article discussing Konsta’s relationship with his father, Sami, who was coaching Pelicans.

Konsta explained that he had childhood memories of watching his father compete for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Sami also discussed how Kasperi’s early interest in hockey influenced Konsta.

According to Sami, Konsta frequently watched his older brother play and tried to imitate him.

The two brothers have remained close despite pursuing professional hockey careers in different countries.

Kasperi Kapanen’s Grandfather: Hannu Kapanen

Hannu Kapanen is Kasperi Kapanen’s paternal grandfather and a former Finnish professional ice hockey player.

Born on March 13, 1951, Hannu played professionally in Finland and represented the country internationally.

He participated in the 1976 Winter Olympics and the 1976 Canada Cup.

Following his playing career, Hannu also worked in hockey coaching and management.

His experiences helped establish the Kapanen family’s longstanding connection to Finnish professional hockey.

Kasperi has frequently described having a close relationship with his grandfather.

In a 2021 Pittsburgh Penguins interview, he explained that he considered Hannu one of his closest friends.

Kasperi also revealed that he wore a necklace featuring the number nine in recognition of his grandfather’s former playing number.

The necklace became a personal reminder of their relationship.

In July 2026, Hannu appeared alongside Sami, Kasperi, and baby Luka in a photograph celebrating four generations of the family.

Other Hockey Players in Kasperi Kapanen’s Family

The Kapanen family includes several other professional hockey players.

Kimmo Kapanen: Kasperi Kapanen’s Uncle

Kimmo Kapanen is Kasperi Kapanen’s paternal uncle and the younger brother of Sami Kapanen.

He enjoyed a professional career as an ice hockey goaltender before moving into hockey management.

Kimmo is the father of Oliver and Ilari Kapanen, who are Kasperi’s cousins.

Oliver Kapanen: Kasperi Kapanen’s Cousin

Oliver Kapanen is Kasperi Kapanen’s cousin and a Finnish professional ice hockey player.

Born on July 29, 2003, Oliver developed through KalPa’s youth system before joining the Montreal Canadiens organization.

Montreal selected him in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Like Kasperi, Oliver has represented Finland internationally and developed into an NHL player.

The family’s involvement across multiple generations demonstrates the strength of its hockey tradition.

Kasperi Kapanen’s Family Background and Early Life

Kasperi Kapanen was born on July 23, 1996, in Kuopio, Finland, during his parents’ visit home following Sami’s first NHL season.

He spent much of his childhood in North America while his father played for several NHL organizations.

Growing up near professional hockey environments allowed Kasperi to become familiar with the sport at an unusually young age.

His early development included playing miniature hockey at home, attending NHL games, and spending time at training facilities.

After the family returned to Finland, Kasperi joined KalPa’s youth development program.

He eventually made his professional debut in Finland while still a teenager.

In June 2014, the Pittsburgh Penguins selected him 22nd overall in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.

He subsequently joined the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and made his NHL debut in 2016.

His career has also included time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues.

In November 2024, the Edmonton Oilers claimed Kapanen off waivers from St. Louis.

He later contributed to Edmonton’s Stanley Cup playoff campaigns.

On July 1, 2026, the Oilers signed him to a one-year contract worth $2.6 million.

Outside hockey, Kasperi’s personal life has undergone significant changes through his marriage to Matleena and the birth of their son Luka.

His family continues to maintain close connections across Finland and Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kasperi Kapanen’s Family

Who is Kasperi Kapanen’s wife?

Kasperi Kapanen is married to Matleena Kapanen, formerly Matleena Laakso, a Finnish social media influencer. They celebrated their wedding in Helsinki on August 1, 2025.

Does Kasperi Kapanen have a girlfriend?

Kasperi Kapanen is married. His former girlfriend, Matleena Laakso, became his wife in 2025.

How many children does Kasperi Kapanen have?

Kasperi Kapanen has one publicly documented child, a son named Luka Leander Kapanen.

When was Kasperi Kapanen’s son born?

His son, Luka Leander Kapanen, was born on February 5, 2026.

Who are Kasperi Kapanen’s parents?

His parents are Sami Kapanen, a former NHL player and hockey coach, and Petra Kapanen.

Is Kasperi Kapanen’s father a former NHL player?

Yes. Sami Kapanen played 831 NHL regular-season games for the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers.

Who is Kasperi Kapanen’s mother?

His mother is Petra Kapanen, who raised Kasperi and his three younger siblings during the family’s years in Finland and the United States.

Does Kasperi Kapanen have a brother?

Yes. His younger brother, Konsta Kapanen, is a professional Finnish hockey player who represented Finland at the 2023 World Junior Championship.

Does Kasperi Kapanen have sisters?

Yes. He has two younger sisters named Cassandra and Camilla Kapanen, both of whom previously represented Finland in gymnastics.

How many siblings does Kasperi Kapanen have?

Kasperi Kapanen has three younger siblings: Cassandra, Camilla, and Konsta.

Who is Kasperi Kapanen’s grandfather?

His grandfather is Hannu Kapanen, a former Finnish professional hockey player who represented Finland at the 1976 Winter Olympics.

Is Oliver Kapanen related to Kasperi Kapanen?

Yes. Oliver Kapanen is Kasperi’s cousin. Oliver’s father, Kimmo Kapanen, is the brother of Kasperi’s father, Sami.