Oliver Kapanen was able to make his professional hockey debut this season, playing five games for JoKP in the Mestis, the second division of Finnish hockey. He scored three goals and two assists for five points in that short loan. He also played for Kalpa's junior team in the Finnish Under-20 league. In 37 games, Kapanen scored 25 goals and 16 assists for 41 points. He joined the Finnish Team at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships. He suffered a scary injury in the tournament but quickly recovered.
In 2019-20, Kapanen played just two games in the Finnish Under-20 league as he was just 16 years old. He scored a goal in that brief appearance. However, he was dominant in the Under-18 league. Kapanen put up 23 goals as well as 50 points in 44 games. His efforts earned him a spot on the league's First All-Star Team.
Kapanen comes from great hockey bloodlines. His uncle is former NHLer Sami Kapanen, and his cousin is current Pittsburgh Penguins winger Kasperi Kapanen. Oliver Kapanen's father, Kimmo Kapanen, was a goaltender who spent a number of seasons playing professional hockey in Finland. His grandfather, Hannu Kapanen, also played professional hockey in Finland.
2021 NHL Draft #52: Oliver Kapanen Scouting Report