Montreal Canadiens prospect Oliver Kapanen‘s season in Sweden has come to a close. His club, Timra IK, was eliminated from the playoffs, meaning Kapanen is now free to return to North America. Kapanen already signed his ELC back in June and has also seen some NHL action. He began the season in Montreal before the Canadiens brass deemed he wasn’t NHL-ready and returned him to Sweden. This proved to be the right move as the 21-year-old forward had an excellent year playing against men in the SHL. With Kapanen now eligible to return to North America, it begs whether he will head back to Montreal or be sent down to Laval. Let’s analyze Oliver Kapanen’s year and discuss if he should join the Montreal Canadiens down the stretch.
Oliver Kapanen to Montreal
Kapanen in the SHL
Kapanen had an impeccable season for a young player in the SHL, which is regarded as one of the top men’s leagues in the world. He was used in all situations for his club and was the team’s top-line center. He racked up fifteen goals and 35 points in only 36 games. This bested his career high of 34 from the previous season in fifteen fewer games. A point per game pace is solid production for any player in the SHL, but at Kapanen’s age, it becomes all the more impressive. His totals place him fourth in the league in terms of points per game pace. Kapanen also tallied three points in the team’s six playoff contests.
Kapanen’s Canadiens Debut
Kapanen was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 64th overall, by the Canadiens. He made his NHL debut earlier this season for Montreal. After being a standout at training camp, he and Emil Heineman made the Montreal Canadiens’ opening night roster. Heineman has been with the Canadiens for the entire season, but Kapanen was cut from the squad after only 12 games. He is still searching for his first NHL goal, but registered two assists.
Despite his strong showing at camp, Kapanen wasn’t able to replicate the offensive success in the regular season. He showed flashes of his offensive prowess, but it didn’t reflect on the scoresheet. During his tenure, he bounced around the lineup but was given some opportunity in the top six and second power-play unit. Kapanen was still a very raw player at the beginning of the year, and the hope is that after spending the year in Sweden, he will return a much more polished product. He possesses the offensive instincts and two-way capabilities to be a solid middle-six centreman at the NHL level.
Should Kapanen head to Montreal or Laval?
The Canadiens have two options with Oliver Kapanen, as they can either add him to their main roster or send him to Laval for their playoff run. Forward Joshua Roy is currently on the Habs roster but has been scratched for the past two contests. The expectation is that he will be returned to Laval shortly. This leaves an opportunity in the team’s forward group. Michael Pezzetta has been given some games but has been largely ineffective this season. With the injury to Kirby Dach, the Canadiens still need a forward to play in the team’s top-six.
Emil Heineman is playing on the second line alongside Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine. He is the best option for the second line amongst the team’s current group. However, he hasn’t been the same player since returning from injury. The Canadiens could use a skilled forward like Kapanen on the second line. Once they send Roy down to Laval, there is no harm in auditioning Kapanen for the role. If things don’t work out, they can always send him to Laval and either call up another forward or simply play Pezzetta. Once the Canadiens’ season and potential playoff run are over, Kapanen can join the Rocket for what is expected to be a deep playoff run in the AHL.
Kapanen could be arriving at the perfect time for the Montreal Canadiens. There is no downside to bringing Kapanen to Montreal immediately. He could be a valuable addition down the stretch, and we could even see a Finnish connection between him and Patrik Laine. At this point, he is the most impactful forward they can add from the minors down the stretch.
