Update On Oliver Kapanen

While Oliver Kapanen had an impressive training camp with the Montreal Canadiens and managed to make the team, once the real season started it looked like play was a little too fast for the young center.

The 21-year-old 64th overall pick at the 2021 draft got a taste of the NHL and the organization decided he would have better developmental opportunities with Timra IK in the Swedish league.

Considering how well the Canadiens' four lines are clicking right now, it's hard to argue against the decision. Not every player is at a stage where they can be productive and efficient in limited ice time. Emil Heineman for instance only spends just over 11 minutes on the ice this season, but has still managed to score 10 goals (only five players on the team have 10 goals or more this season) and add seven assists. He's two years older than Kapanen and it shows.

Related: Canadiens Loan Prospect Kapanen To Timrå IK

It doesn't mean Kapanen won't be able to perform in the NHL however, just that he needs a bit more seasoning before he's ready to make the jump. Since being sent back to Sweden, he has played 16 games and picked up 15 points in the process. He averages nearly 19 minutes ice time per game (second highest amongst forwards on the team) and is the team's sixth best scorer. Jonathan Dahlen leads the squad in points with 33 but he has played 27 games.

Judging by those numbers, Timra IK head coach Olli Jokinen wasn't kidding when he said prior to the season that if Kapanen was loaned back to his team after the Canadiens' training camp, he would be given plenty of opportunity. His approach is a far cry from what we've seen from Roman Rotenberg with Ivan Demidov earlier this season.

Related: Canadiens: Why Isn't Oliver Kapanen On the Rookie Camp Roster?

Of course, the two players' situation is different, Kapanen has already got a contract with the Canadiens, but still it's obvious that Jokinen takes pride in doing what's best for both his team's success and the player's development, even though he may not be back next year. Perhaps being a former player and NHLer himself, Jokinen understand young players' desire to play in the best league in the world.

Related: Kent Hughes Mid-Season Review

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens