Oliver Kapanen’s six goals in the tournament so far is good, however I still rate his Liiga playoff performance a lot higher as it came against more even and better competition.
Anyone that is surprised by Kapanen’s hasn’t paid attention to his development since Christmas. #habs– Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) May 16, 2024
After a superb series in Finland (seven goals and seven assists in 13 games), he’s now having a great time at the World Championship. His six goals place him among the elite.
So he’s been on fire for a while. Patrik Bexell, who religiously covers the Flannel’s hopes in Europe, says he’s simply moved on to another level in 2024.
His coaches may sing his praises or say he’s ready for the NHL, but the fact remains that the club’s second pick in 2021 still doesn’t have a contract – with the Habs – for next season.
He has signed a two-year contract (2024 to 2026) in Sweden, for his father’s team, that said. He could still be playing in Laval in 2025-2026… and if he makes the club at the Habs’ next camp, we could see him in the NHL as early as this fall.
But for that, he’ll need an entry-level contract.
According to Luc Gélinas on Twitter, Kapanen wants to sign his entry-level contract. He’s currently focused on the World Championship, but he’ll get there.
It’s also worth mentioning that Kent Hughes is on the case.
The Habs’ GM met the player’s agent in Helsinki, at the World Juniors, and they agreed to talk again after that tournament, the World Championship, which is currently underway.
The young Oliver Kapanen, who is having a fantastic tournament, would like to get along with the Canadiens, but is concentrating on the World Championship.
Kent Hughes met with his agent in Helsinki at the World Junior and they agreed to talk after the tournament #RDS
– Luc Gelinas (@LucGelinasRDS) May 16, 2024
An entry-level contract isn’t the most difficult contract to negotiate, since despite the potential bonuses, there’s still a lower limit than for a second contract.
I’m not saying this to say it’s nothing… but normally, when the player and the club want to agree on the terms of an entry-level contract, there’s a middle ground.
In bursts
– He’s right.
He’s also saying that those who don’t like it don’t belong in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/nXXXUXUOtm
– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) May 16, 2024
– Yes, it will be a forward.
David Ettedgui likes defender Anton Silayev a LOT.
And he’s also 100% certain that the Canadian will go for reinforcement on the attack.
Segment https://t.co/lcolZDDRD3 pic.twitter.com/1BjwjwDnnO
– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) May 16, 2024
– Looks similar.
#GoHabsGo https://t.co/at76PpkEOc pic.twitter.com/Wr1mIK63oD
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) May 16, 2024
– He needs to maintain his reputation.
“Tortorella doesn’t like me talking positive about him in front of the media” – Daniel Brière
The episode with the Flyers general manager is available now https://t.co/fQn1vUkk3M@Lappy14 @thetender1987 pic.twitter.com/q6jmqLjDoC– La Poche Bleue (@lapochebleue) May 16, 2024
– Seeing him develop his offensive instincts is a good thing.
Kaiden Guhle , so hot right now https://t.co/OZ4VH4Sgay
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) May 16, 2024
– Oh wow.
WOWOWOW!
AUSTRIA SCORES WITH 0.2 SECONDS TO GO AND WINS AGAINST FINLAND pic.twitter.com/KXSDErvYGu– RDS (@RDSca) May 16, 2024
– A nice addition.
No regrets for the Avalanche after their big-swing trade for Casey Mittelstadt, who has performed well in the playoffs. My latest for@TheAthletic https://t.co/5nQ6TsTzGe
– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 16, 2024
– Nice tribute.
Nice tribute from TSN for Dutchy!https://t.co/EglByvaoP4
– Jeremy Filosa (@JeremyFilosa) May 16, 2024
– Meanwhile, Mathieu Choinière is having a hard time- ah pis laissez faire.
Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is the highest paid player in MLS!https://t.co/kI1eZV1OO4 pic.twitter.com/0gntUHRCq9
– RDS (@RDSca) May 16, 2024