The Pittsburgh Penguins assigned 2014 first-round draft pick Kasperi Kapanen to KalPa of the Finnish League, the club announced Thursday.

Kapanen, drafted 22nd overall, appeared in 47 games for KalPa last season, recording seven goals and seven assists.

The Penguins were high on Kapanen heading into training camp, and he showed off some of his skills by besting Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky for his first goal at the NHL level in a preseason game.

Set to become a mainstay among Pittsburgh's top-six forwards for years to come, the club appears to have decided to preserve a year on Kapanen's entry-level contract while allowing him to hone his game with greater playing time back home in Finland.

Fans back in North America will likely get to see Kapanen in action with the Finnish team at the World Junior Championship beginning in late December.