Rather than making a transaction to compensate for the absence of Patrik Laine, the Montreal Canadiens would like to bet on its young people, including perhaps Oliver Kapanen.
“The team is counting on its prospect bank to keep it afloat and fight for a playoff spot,” a source told Marco D’Amico of RG.org. Don’t expect a rushed transaction or a panic move, it won’t happen.”
According to another well-placed source within the Canadiens organization consulted by RG.org, the staff would seriously consider the possibility of keeping Oliver Kapanen in its lineup for the first game of the regular season.
Under clauses in his contract, Kapanen can only play with the Canadiens or with Timra in Sweden this season.
The Habs’ second-round pick (64th overall) in 2021 is having an excellent camp with the Canadiens. Kapanen has been on a roll in recent months, having been dominant in the playoffs in Finland last spring with 14 points, including seven goals, in 13 games. He then distinguished himself at the IIHF World Championship with Finland, collecting nine points, including seven goals, in 16 games.
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