In the 2024-25 season, Kapanen joined the Canadiens as part of their influx of young talent, with high expectations due to his speed, hockey IQ, and solid two-way play. However, after a few games with not as much impact as expected, Kapanen was included with some of the players sent down to Laval to further develop his game.
Being reassigned to the AHL is always a difficult pill to swallow, especially after getting a taste of the NHL. Still, instead of sulking, the young Finnish player made the bold decision to return to Sweden and play in the SHL with Timrå IK.
Oliver Kapanen proceeded to have a standout season, with 35 points in 36 games, and performed well as a top-line center. Kapanen's success led to increased expectations and opportunities, and ultimately caught the attention of the higher-ups at the Canadiens, leading us to the question of whether Kapanen will be coming back with Laval or with the Canadiens?
I took a close look at two of Oliver Kapanen's Laval AHL playoff games, and offered my assessment on whether he can win a second-line center role in Montreal's training camp. Don't rule him out!
— Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) July 19, 2025
Full episode here: https://t.co/4eoUZAFTSr pic.twitter.com/NCAuY2otFY
With the Canadiens' plethora of young talent, the question now is, how will we make it work? Kapanen's skill set and style of play could offer a unique balance that is essential for a two-way center at the NHL level.
What Can Kapanen Bring to the Canadiens?
Excellent Defensive Positioning: Always found between opposing players and the net, breaking up plays, and supporting the defenseman. Consistently seen dropping back to support the defenseman, which is important for the aggressive style of defensemen Guhle or Xhekaj to allow them to join the rush without worrying about defensive coverage. Celebrated on multiple occasions for being a great two-way player.
Physical Play: Willing to engage in fierce board battles and front of the net. His ability to exchange blows is critical for an impactful Canadiens forecheck, and he has a great ability to be elusive in tight spaces. To become playoff contenders, the Habs need to be able to compete with the fast-paced, physical style of play that successful playoff teams employ, and Kapanen's play can help them achieve this.
If paired with Demidov, a player still developing his defensive game, Kapanen's ability to cover defensively allows Demidov to focus all his power on offence.
Compatibility and Defensive Awareness:
Strong ability to cover the middle of the ice as a reliable defensive presence, especially on the backcheck. Kapanen's defensive game enables players with strong offensive instincts to focus on their strengths. If paired alongside Demidov, Bolduc, or Laine, Oliver Kapanen's ability to cover for these players defensively can assist in generating offence and unlocking their full potential.
Season | GP | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Laval AHL: 2022/23 | 60 | 16 | 22 | 38 | +7 |
Laval AHL: 2023/24 | 56 | 14 | 24 | 38 | +9 |
Canadiens NHL: 2024/25 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -5 |
Timrå IK SHL: 2024/25 | 36 | 15 | 20 | 36 | +3 |
*stats, Loaned to SHL by the Canadiens in 2024/25 season.
Consistently performing in the AHL and SHL, coupled with his defensive capabilities and responsibilities, Kapanen has been positioned as a player who could step back into the Canadiens roster without being a liability. His solid two-way play suggests he has great potential to rejoin the roster and have some great impact.
Kapanen's mobile playstyle aligns with Montreal's long-term goals of establishing a strong and balanced lineup, and if he continues to develop at this pace, he could very well earn a spot on the Canadiens' opening night roster.