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Oliver Kapanen: his first contract with the Canadiens is waiting for him

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated 4/11/24

When we talk about a prospect who could sign a contract soon with the Canadiens, we’re talking about Lane Hutson. Or maybe Luke Tuch or Adam Engstrom.

But Oliver Kapanen? Not necessarily.

However, according to Patrik Bexell, who covers the activities of the Habs’ prospects in Europe, we can expect this to happen after his season in Finland.

News of Oliver Kapanen, who will sign with the #CHs at the end of this season but could still play the next one in Europe, with Timrå.

Kapanen had an excellent season, but he’s still young, so one more season in Europe won’t hurt him! #Habs #Canadiens https://t.co/0p6uUH7uiP

– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) April 11, 2024

Does this mean he’ll be going straight to Laval next year? Not so fast.

In fact, according to Bexell, the club would like to work on a loan from the Canadiens that would allow the prospect to stay in KalPa for the 2024-2025 season. That way, he wouldn’t have to go to Laval, which will have several forwards on hand.

Is this ideal? I don’t know. After all, as Simon Boisvert sometimes says, sending a prospect to Europe can delay his development, since the style of play and rink dimensions aren’t the same.

But hey. Right now, that would be the plan with Kapanen, who has 34 points in 51 games this season and 14 points in 10 playoff games.

Note that in all this, his European club has also offered him a new contract for next year. This means that if Kapanen, a second-round pick in 2021, doesn’t make the club in Montreal in 2024-2025, he’ll have to return to Europe instead of Laval.

That’s easier than convincing the Habs to loan him out.

I can confirm what Marco says here. Expect Oliver Kapanen to attend the Habs camp, but to return to Finland next year for his final season. Laval in 2025-2026 is highly plausible. https://t.co/ys8lsDC6ib

– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) April 11, 2024

Anthony Marcotte expects the youngster to take part in the Canadiens’ camp next fall, but to return to Europe afterwards. After that, Laval in 2025-2026 would be on the table.

Remember, it’s already been three years since he was drafted.

In bursts

– The Rocket is still in a playoff race…

I’m told @BPMSportsRadio had to make 1 tough choice in its programming Saturday night.

The station will present the @cfmontreal opening game and 1 pre-game special. The @RocketLaval game in Cleveland will be moved to the web.

Good decision or not?

– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) April 11, 2024

– Speaking of hope.

In the must win game for Växjö Lakers #Habs prospect Filip Eriksson replaces Noah Östlund on the second line.
Eriksson had two goals in game three, and has had a stellar seaosn in Hockey Allsvenskan before being called up for the playoffs. #GoHabsGO https://t.co/xsH5pA3OlR

– Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) April 11, 2024

– Patrick Roy manages his goalies well. [BPM Sports]

– Toronto gets reinforcements.