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

[WeThreeKings]

Admittedly I've been wrong before (see wanting Juraj Slafkovsky in the AHL as recently as the beginning of last year), so I'm hardly an expert, but I still think this kid should be in Sweden for one last year. I think he'd be in the AHL if the Habs could send him there.

It's coming for him. He's getting a chance to play with some better players. He will benefit from more strength in his legs to be a bit more explosive.

 

[26Mats]

It's coming for him. He's getting a chance to play with some better players. He will benefit from more strength in his legs to be a bit more explosive.

If we try to get the second line going by reuniting Dach, Newhook, and Slaf, I would be interested to see how Kapanen fits with Suzuki and Caufield.

Edit:
Hera are MSL's lines at practice today. A lot I like about them.

Caufield-Suzuki-Heineman
Anderson-Evans-Gallagher
Slafkovsky-Dach-Kapanen
Armia-Newhook-Dvorak (Pezzetta)

Matheson-Barron
Hutson-Savard
Guhle-Struble
Xhekaj-Mailloux

-Dvo on the wing
-Kapanen with Dach and Slaf
-Not sure Heineman is right for Suzy and CC, but let's see. I'd rotate Heineman, Kapanen and Dvo into the following open spots to see who has the most chemistry:
Caufield-Suzuki-__________
Anderson-Evans-Gallagher
Slafkovsky-Dach-_________
Armia-Newhook-__________

 

[Habssince89]

If we try to get the second line going by reuniting Dach, Newhook, and Slaf, I would be interested to see how Kapanen fits with Suzuki and Caufield.

I'd rather do Heineman as he's a lefty and is way stronger than Kap.

I think Kapanen should join Dach and Slaf

Heineman-Suzuki-Caufield
Slafkovsky-Dach-Kapanen
Newhook-Dvorak-Armia
Anderson-Evans-Gallagher

 

[26Mats]

I'd rather do Heineman as he's a lefty and is way stronger than Kap.

I think Kapanen should join Dach and Slaf

Heineman-Suzuki-Caufield
Slafkovsky-Dach-Kapanen
Newhook-Dvorak-Armia
Anderson-Evans-Gallagher

You got your wish. That's exactly how MSL has it in practice today.
I think Suzy and Caufield would benefit from someone with more puck skills. So between kap, Heineman, and Dvo, my choice is actually Dvo, because of his combination of strength along the boards and puck skills.

But for me I'd do trial and error to see who has chemistry with who. Dvo, Heineman, and Kapanen fill the following three open spots based on chemistry:
Caufield-Suzuki-___________
Anderson-Evans-Gallagher
Slafkovsky-Dach-__________
Armia-Newhook-___________

 

[WeThreeKings]

Cool top 6. Armia and Newhook being together still is hilarious

 

[morhilane]

Cool top 6. Armia and Newhook being together still is hilarious

At this point, MSL realize the bad players should probably all play together and the rookies should be salvaged and play with better players.

Not sure how the Slaf/Dach/Kapanen line will go.

 

[Rapala]

At this point, MSL realize the bad players should probably all play together and the rookies should be salvaged and play with better players.

Not sure how the Slaf/Dach/Kapanen line will go.

in the -

 

[Skip Bayless]

So what do we do with him?

I think he could benefit from one extra year in Finland. Ideally, he'd play in Laval, but that's not possible.

 

[Ezpz]

So what do we do with him?

I think he could benefit from one extra year in Finland. Ideally, he'd play in Laval, but that's not possible.

His clause is if he's on the roster til December he can go to Laval instead of Sweden. They're keeping him up til then.

 

[Skip Bayless]

His clause is if he's on the roster til December he can go to Laval instead of Sweden. They're keeping him up til then.

Ah, that's even better.

He needs to bulk up though, Finland would've been ideal for that.

 

[MTL Dirty Birdy]

Beck is showing some great things in Laval. I wouldn't be surprised to see Kapanen sent back to be honest once Beck shows he is truly ready.

Always been a fan of Becks game. Total gamer, strong af and underrated offensively

 

[Rapala]

So what do we do with him?

I think he could benefit from one extra year in Finland. Ideally, he'd play in Laval, but that's not possible.

I think they kept him around for the wrong reasons.
If we were moving Dvorak okay let him cut his teeth on a fourth line all season long with some PP time if he showed.
He was invisible on the wing in camp and it was remarked on by a number of members.
He's been invisible on the wing in the NHL and is not getting nearly enough touches.

 

[Tyson]

I think they kept him around for the wrong reasons.
If we were moving Dvorak okay let him cut his teeth on a fourth line all season long with some PP time if he showed.
He was invisible on the wing in camp and it was remarked on by a number of members.
He's been invisible on the wing in the NHL and is not getting nearly enough touches.

He does not belong in the NHL at this moment

 

[schwang26]

I was all for letting him play a first line role in Europe this season. It’s just a depressing environment to put yet another kid in. They need more vets. Better vets.

 

[Rapala]

Always been a fan of Becks game. Total gamer, strong af and underrated offensively

I would send Oliver home and live with Dvorak until we move him which we will.
At that point we can call up Beck who's current game is actually more NHL ready for that role.

 

[Chr1s97]

So what do we do with him?

I think he could benefit from one extra year in Finland. Ideally, he'd play in Laval, but that's not possible.

I read somewhere on reddit that his contract will allow the habs to sent him down in laval in december, I dont know how true it is tho

 

[Harry Kakalovich]

Good prospect. I wanted him back in Sweden and will whine about it whenever asked. Doesn't mean I'm right though. I'm wrong a lot. Hopefully things work out for him.

 

[schwang26]

His clause is if he's on the roster til December he can go to Laval instead of Sweden. They're keeping him up til then.

I’d be ok with that. RHP and Laine will be back around that time, so someone will need to go.

 

[Rapala]

I’d be ok with that. RHP and Laine will be back around that time, so someone will need to go.

Personally I don't think RHP will be a factor.
My guess is he gets sent down on a conditioning stint.
What happens if he doesn't have an impact which is very possible?

 

[schwang26]

Personally I don't think RHP will be a factor.
My guess is he gets sent down on a conditioning stint.
What happens if he doesn't have an impact which is very possible?

Oh I totally agree. I didn’t think he deserved to be in the nhl last year. I’m just thinking of waivers. I’m not sure if he has to clear. And yes, I can see a conditioning stint for him.
He probably won’t be a factor, but hey, who is? Kapanen sure isn’t.

 

[morhilane]

Personally I don't think RHP will be a factor.
My guess is he gets sent down on a conditioning stint.
What happens if he doesn't have an impact which is very possible?

Does anyone expect RHP to make an impact once he comes back? He wasn't good last season and he's injury prone.

 

[Rapala]

Does anyone expect RHP to make an impact once he comes back? He wasn't good last season and he's injury prone.

That is exactly what I'm saying only I don't think he'll make an impression in Laval...
He then becomes de trop.

 

[Habssince89]

Haven't written him off, but he's not impressing me at all. Too weak and slow right now. He's playing just to survive the shift, and that's not what we need.

 

[Tyson]

Haven't written him off, but he's not impressing me at all. Too weak and slow right now. He's playing just to survive the shift, and that's not what we need.

That's because he isn't ready and should be returned to the SHL

 

[1909]

The best for him would be Laval. Unless he is really homesick…..