Prospect Info: Oliver Kapanen, RHC, KalPa U20 (U20 SM-sarja), 64th Overall

[TRG]

Dvorak was good like a good veteran, still at this time I'd take Kapanen now but it may be better to let Dvorak play this season, get a late first at TDL and know Kapanen can take his place next season. Asset management, he's young, it will be good for him to play 1st line back in europe one last season while things gets settled here.

If we get a first for Dvorak, I'll be including "Went Wughes" in every post for the following year.

 

[Harry Kakalovich]

Was at the game tonight - he looked good, and he looks like he will get even better. Pretty exciting prospect.

 

[Demigod Gloves]

Everytime he was on the ice he reminded me of Lekhonen with better skating. His edges create a lot of space.

 

[calder candidate]

I was hoping Kapanen would be in the mix but ultimately I expected him to go dominate in the SHL but everything he did or touch turn to gold he was noticeable on every shift it might be hard than expected. I knew he was looking good but right now he looking like some who can have a impact. The only down side is that now we don’t have much time to get Evan’s or Dvorak value up and he is a other Righty.

 

[FLHabs]

Kapanen, Xhekaj, and Mailloux were some really nice parting gifts from Timmins. The 2021 draft isn't 2022, but it's turning out pretty good

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Everytime he was on the ice he reminded me of Lekhonen with better skating. His edges create a lot of space.

If Lane was the most impressive defenceman on the ice last night, then Kapanen was among the most impressive forwards. His emergence will make a number of players, both roster and prospects, expendable. High end talent and depth, Hughes is slowly assembling a contender. With Demidov and Hage on the horizon and seven high draft choices ( firsts and seconds) over the next two years, this could get interesting.

 

[red devil]

Kapanen, Xhekaj, and Mailloux were some really nice parting gifts from Timmins. The 2021 draft isn't 2022, but it's turning out pretty good

Don't forget about Roy

 

[G0bias]

Didn't think he had much chance of shining given his linemates, boy was i wrong.

He's got that killer instinct, a swagger to his game.

 

[themilosh]

1st pick no

But a 2nd, I wouldn’t be surprise at all. His the type of player teams are looking for at the TDL

Especially ones who need insurance for/ against injury (cup window is now). Dvo is an ideal TDL pick up.. ideally all three of the Amigos find themselves on cup contenders for 2025.

 

[Rapala]

I was hoping Kapanen would be in the mix but ultimately I expected him to go dominate in the SHL but everything he did or touch turn to gold he was noticeable on every shift it might be hard than expected. I knew he was looking good but right now he looking like some who can have a impact. The only down side is that now we don’t have much time to get Evan’s or Dvorak value up and he is a other Righty.

Getting a players value up is one of the most over rated notions in hockey.
Showcasing a player is nothing more than showing they aren't injured and don't have any flat tires.
If scouts and GM's don't know who Evans or Dvorak are already they are in the wrong business.

 

[HuGort]

Kapanen, Xhekaj, and Mailloux were some really nice parting gifts from Timmins. The 2021 draft isn't 2022, but it's turning out pretty good

Considering we didn't draft until 31st it was outstanding draft. Roy was in same draft also. Kidney too but he is long shot to make it.

COVID played factor in that draft I imagine though. Why so many slid. I remember only viewing I got was U18 tourny

 

[Tyson]

Olli Jokinen said he was ready for the NHL. It may end up being that he is ready but there are simply too many one way contracts blocking him.

 

[waitin425]

Olli Jokinen said he was ready for the NHL. It may end up being that he is ready but there are simply too many one way contracts blocking him.

nothing worse for a young mind then an organization saying...."you are good enough, but due to our contract status, we don't have a spot for you."

If I was him, and I knew I was good enough, I'd be thinking "f*** it, send me somewhere where there is a a spot."

I get the business side of things and all....but if he earned a spot, as appears to be evident,, we need to make a spot for him. Time to ship DVo now, even if it's cheaper than what the TDL will offer.

I want to keep the young future of our team happy. Kap is looking like a piece of that future.

 

[Tyson]

nothing worse for a young mind then an organization saying...."you are good enough, but due to our contract status, we don't have a spot for you."

If I was him, and I knew I was good enough, I'd be thinking "f*** it, send me somewhere where there is a a spot."

I get the business side of things and all....but if he earned a spot, as appears to be evident,, we need to make a spot for him. Time to ship DVo now, even if it's cheaper than what the TDL will offer.

I want to keep the young future of our team happy. Kap is looking like a piece of that future.

Totally agree and this is where the GM has to follow through with the old adage of "force our hand make us find a spot for you". This imo isn't lost on Hughes. Let's see how he does as the competition stiffens over the next 10 days.

 

[Le Barron de HF]

nothing worse for a young mind then an organization saying...."you are good enough, but due to our contract status, we don't have a spot for you."

If I was him, and I knew I was good enough, I'd be thinking "f*** it, send me somewhere where there is a a spot."

I get the business side of things and all....but if he earned a spot, as appears to be evident,, we need to make a spot for him. Time to ship DVo now, even if it's cheaper than what the TDL will offer.

I want to keep the young future of our team happy. Kap is looking like a piece of that future.

I mean it's also on him for signing that kind or deal in SHL. Unless he dropped the ball in Laval he would be one of the top call up options

 

[Wateredgarden]

If were going to make the playoffs I prefer Dvo as our third or fourth line center over Evans. It's not even close.

 

[waitin425]

I mean it's also on him for signing that kind or deal in SHL. Unless he dropped the ball in Laval he would be one of the top call up options

Very true. That signing....coupled with his play, is going to force the Habs hand. I wouldnt want to risk him leaving NA this year. He is too good. If I am management, I want him under our umbrella.

 

[Le Barron de HF]

Very true. That signing....coupled with his play, is going to force the Habs hand. I wouldnt want to risk him leaving NA this year. He is too good. If I am management, I want him under our umbrella.

I'm not too worried about him going back to Europe, SHL is a step up on Ligaa

 

[waitin425]

I'm not too worried about him going back to Europe, SHL is a step up on Ligaa

I wouldnt worry if he isn't ready and that's obvious.

But, early indications are he is ready. Playing in SHL when he should be in the NHL is a long tough year for someone who believes in themselves.

 

[waitin425]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1838398336153354532

 

[Essenege]

Tonight's game changes nothing . Dvorak is still a useful player in a bottom six role and it still isn't his fault that the Habs were a bad team for the last few years . Stop posting like a child .

He’s a perennial sub 50% expected goals guy. Last 100 games low 40s. Giving more scoring chances to the opponent as a center is the opposite of useful.

 

[Habsfan18]

Literally everything about his game right now screams NHLer. He just has to continue playing with the same fire and passion. Such a smart player. His puck control and board work is impressive.

Roy - Kapanen - Anderson

That line could do some damage as the 3rd trio.

 

[rahad]

I mean it's also on him for signing that kind or deal in SHL. Unless he dropped the ball in Laval he would be one of the top call up options

I agreed with you 100%. Going back to euro will be bad for him. I wanted AHL or NHL for him this year. Pretty sure he would have been the first one to be called up when someone get injured.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Getting a players value up is one of the most over rated notions in hockey.
Showcasing a player is nothing more than showing they aren't injured and don't have any flat tires.
If scouts and GM's don't know who Evans or Dvorak are already they are in the wrong business.

Many are.

As Hughes smiles discreetly, but knowingly.

 

[rahad]

Kapanen, Xhekaj, and Mailloux were some really nice parting gifts from Timmins. The 2021 draft isn't 2022, but it's turning out pretty good

Don't forget about Roy. He could end up being our best player from the 2021 draft. Can't believe he has drafted so late.