At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is another crucial game for the Montreal Canadiens, with gusts up to must-win. The Habs will be at the Prudential Center in beautiful Newark, N.J., to face-off against the New Jersey Devils (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS) who are currently in a three-way tie for first place in the Metropolitan Division. Montreal is in a familiar place, in last place in the Atlantic Division.
It is a crucial game because the Canadiens have lost four in a row and eight of their last 10 games. Yes, these are desperate times.
Montreal Canadiens Make Right Decision With Young Forward
The Montreal Canadiens have returned Oliver Kapanen to the SHL after a 12-game stint with the team, and as a result, Lucas Condotta has been called up to the club. Kapanen, 21, earned his first stint with the big club after an impressive training camp performance, but he hasn’t been very effective during his small stint in the regular season, albeit in a limited role.
Oliver Kapanen Returned to the SHL
Oliver Kapanen’s Stint in Montreal
Kapanen and Emil Heineman were the only rookie forwards to make the team out of camp. They earned a spot over Joshua Roy who has been lighting up the AHL since his demotion. Kapanen showed glimpses of his offensive talent during his time in the NHL, but is still a very raw player overall. He seemed often unsure of himself and wasn’t as impactful as he was in the preseason games. Kapanen largely played on the fourth-line wing as he flanked Christian Dvorak. He also received time on the second power play unit. However, he didn’t receive much of an opportunity with offensive-minded players and as a result, managed only two assists. He only played in twelve games with the Canadiens, so he will still be considered a rookie whenever he makes his NHL return. He also would be ideally playing in his natural role down the middle and will have more consistent linemates than he did this year.
Impact on the Canadiens lineup
Kapanen’s demotion could signal a few things. The team may feel that Kapanen isn’t ready for the NHL and would further benefit from time in the SHL in a larger role. It could mean that Rafael Harvey-Pinard and Patrik Laine are nearing a return to action following injuries. Although the more likely option is Harvey-Pinard. They may also want to insert some physicality into the lineup in the form of Michael Pezzetta. Pezzetta has sat in the press box as the 13th forward for much of the season. Finally, despite calling up Lucas Condotta, the Canadiens may be nearing a callup for Joshua Roy or Alex Barre-Boulet, who have both been dominant in the minors. Whichever of these may be the case, the Canadiens need a boost offensively, and Kapanen isn’t ready to provide that at this time.
Kapanen’s Future in Montreal
Despite being sent down, Kapanen should be back on the team’s roster next season. The young forward wasn’t initially expected to make the big club out of camp. This season will be a big stepping stone for Kapanen and he can use what he has learned in the NHL and implement it throughout his SHL campaign. Kapanen will be slotted in a top-six role in the SHL and will get a much better opportunity than what he was given with the Canadiens. The Canadiens have been a literal tire fire to begin the season and perhaps aren’t the best environment for Kapanen at this time.
Long-term, Kapanen has a bottom-six role carved out with the team. He can play both wing and centre, which also increases his options. Christian Dvorak, Jake Evans, and Joel Armia are unlikely to return past this season. This should open up some roster spots for young guys like Kapanen. He likely will be taking over one of these bottom-six centre roles. He’ll be competing with Owen Beck for a role down the middle. Either way, Kapanen has shown flashes of what makes him an intriguing prospect. Oliver Kapanen should be a mainstay on the Montreal Canadiens after this year.
