Player Discussion Oliver Kapanen

[kp61c]

Newhook paced for 50 this year. He's got more offensive tools than lehkonen who has hit 50 playing with MacKinnon.

Newhook would easily hit 50 with a full year on the second line. Kapanen was definitely the obvious not a top six guy this year.

newhook is not second line material. demidov deserves better.

 

[scrubadam]

If there is a Heinmen situation available like he is requested in a Knies or Thomas trade move him. If not I think he can be a solid 3rd liner. I don't think he is ready for the playoffs and the intestity yet this year, especially an ECF. But his career isn't done. Honestly he is probably a guy that gets 15-20 with no PP time playing between the 2nd and 3rd line. But I don't think he is a 2C especially on a cup contender

 

[Nevins]

Kapanen is still in his rookie year and he's already scored over 20 goals. Yes, he plays with Demidov, but that doesn't diminish his talent and excellent shot. I see him as a third Line center, or at most an excellent fourth Line center. Center is the hardest position to fill, so when you have a young one, you keep him.

 

[OpenShutt]

Lots of negativity about Kap and we all understand why. It’s tough when you lose the confidence of your coach; often that signals the end at any stop. And it appears he’s lost confidence on the ice.

But we’ve got to take a step back.

He’s young and he certainly impressed with his positioning and defensive work, and potted 20 goals for us in his rookie season, which is a significant accomplishment.

Many are looking at him as borderline unsalvageable following his benching by MSL. I’d like to think he can instead build on what was still a very successful campaign.

We talk a lot about what Hage might need to do to improve and perhaps win the 2C spot.

What does Kapanen need to improve on? What’s the path for him to get to that level?

 

[Player 61]

Young Guy a 3rd line Centre or a winger. What did People expect? so fast?

 

[OpenShutt]

Young Guy a 3rd line Centre or a winger. What did People expect? so fast?

Don’t think he ultimately sticks if he’s destined for 3rd line. Think we trade him while he has some value as a potential 2C if we think he won’t get there.

Can he get there?

 

[HabsCowboysOwn]

Not good enough for the top 6 and too soft for the bottom 6, he doesn’t fit on this team imo. I hope he’s included in one of the trades for the missing pieces this summer.

 

[OpenShutt]

Not good enough for the top 6 and too soft for the bottom 6, he doesn’t fit on this team imo. I hope he’s included in one of the trades for the missing pieces this summer.

That benching really kills his trade value.

He’s so young it seems ridiculous to give up on him so early in his career.

 

[BLONG7]

He is a kid...............patience guys. Patience.

 

[OneSharpMarble]

I think he's trade bait, unless his game changes he just doesn't bring much when he's cold on scoring.

 

[CrAzYNiNe]

If there is a Heinmen situation available like he is requested in a Knies or Thomas trade move him. If not I think he can be a solid 3rd liner. I don't think he is ready for the playoffs and the intestity yet this year, especially an ECF. But his career isn't done. Honestly he is probably a guy that gets 15-20 with no PP time playing between the 2nd and 3rd line. But I don't think he is a 2C especially on a cup contender

I don’t see any world where Kapanen stays on this team beyond the Habs acquiring a 2nd line C.

 

[KevSkillz4]

Trade him right freaking now in package!

 

[GrandBison]

Adding a real 1b winger to that line, I could live with Kapanen on second line. Rookie getting gased in playoffs is not uncommon.

 

[CHwest]

newhook is not second line material. demidov deserves better.

Dedimov should work his way onto the top line displacing Slaf, hopefully he will bring a little more fire to that line.

 

[scrubadam]

I don’t see any world where Kapanen stays on this team beyond the Habs acquiring a 2nd line C.

Look at Heinmen again. 22 G this year. Would have been nice in the line up but he was traded for Dobson.
So yes I think he will be trade bait but if a team prefers prospects/picks I think he has a role on this team. I wouldn't base his career on his rookie year in the playoffs. He can grow into a usefull player and he seems like an MSL type guy but he just needs to find a role. I don't think thats 2C with Demidov. If he can score 15 5v5 goals while improving his 200 ft game playing with Danault or Evans he can get a role on this team.
But I do think he is trade bait number one and a team will look at his 22 goals and willing to take a flyer on him.

 

[SYDN]

Look at Heinmen again. 22 G this year. Would have been nice in the line up but he was traded for Dobson.
So yes I think he will be trade bait but if a team prefers prospects/picks I think he has a role on this team. I wouldn't base his career on his rookie year in the playoffs. He can grow into a usefull player and he seems like an MSL type guy but he just needs to find a role. I don't think thats 2C with Demidov. If he can score 15 5v5 goals while improving his 200 ft game playing with Danault or Evans he can get a role on this team.
But I do think he is trade bait number one and a team will look at his 22 goals and willing to take a flyer on him.

I think Heineman is a good example of Kapanen upside. I feel like Kapanen has the potential to be a gritty third liner who can give you 15-20g. But, he clearly has work to do to develop that grit, so we'll see.