The Montreal Canadiens’ 21-year-old prospect Oliver Kapanen has officially left the team and returned to Europe after facing challenges in the NHL.
During training camp, Kapanen was one of the standout surprises. The 64th overall pick in 2021 arrived in Montreal last September with the goal of making the roster. He demonstrated his readiness for a larger challenge by scoring four points, including one goal, in four preseason games.
The Canadiens found themselves in a tough position: they could either keep him on the team or send him back to Europe, as he was ineligible for the AHL. Kapanen participated in 12 games this season, recording two points and averaging ten to twelve minutes of ice time. However, he did not show signs of improvement, failing to convince management that he was worthy of remaining in the NHL.
In recent developments, the organization has decided to send him back to Europe, where he will rejoin Timra IK in the SHL for the remainder of the season.
To fill his spot on the roster, the Canadiens have called up Lucas Condotta, the captain of the Laval Rocket. At 27, Condotta has played four NHL games and scored one goal. This season in the AHL, he has recorded four points (all assists) in nine games.
The Laval Rocket is currently riding a seven-game winning streak and leads their division with 16 points in nine games. Fans have been speculating when the Canadiens’ management would promote some of the successful players from Laval to the NHL, with many hoping to see top prospect Joshua Roy get the call.
Roy is regarded as one of the best players not currently in the NHL and could significantly contribute to the team. His exceptional talent and playmaking abilities would be beneficial for the Canadiens, who have struggled offensively, scoring only 35 goals since the season began. With Laine still recovering from injury, adding Roy to the top six could be advantageous, but it appears the Canadiens opted for Condotta in a bottom-six role.
