A top Habs prospect causes a surprise and signs in Europe
Photo credit: The Athletic/sportsnet
A few weeks after the serious rumors sending Oliver Kapanen to North America, there's some news.
While we were expecting an announcement from the Montreal Canadiens and Kent Hughes on this matter, we've surprisingly learned that young Kapanen has finally signed a new TWO-year contract in Europe.
"Oliver Kapanen has signed with Timra IK in the SHL, the contract is signed until May 2026." - Patrik Bexell
His father is also the current general manager of the team.
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It was expected that Kapanen would sign with the Canadiens, but he ultimately signs in the SHL.
Oliver Kapanen, from the Montreal Canadiens, signs for two years in Sweden before signing his entry contract with Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton
From what we understand, this doesn't close the door to Montreal in the medium term, but Kapanen will still continue to develop in Europe for now, and not with the Laval Rocket, for example.
"Oliver Kapanen officially signs with Timra IK in the SHL. The contract will expire at the end of the 25-26 season.
If the Canadiens sign him to his ELC this summer, he would only be required to return to Sweden for the 24-25 season and would be free to spend the 25-26 season." - Marco D'Amico
This explains that. It's not ideal, but it's not catastrophic either.
At the same time, Kapanen is developing very well in Sweden right now, being already, at only 20 years old, one of the best players on his team.
Kapanen, a 2nd round pick of the CH in 2021, amassed 34 points in 51 games this season, and notably, a very solid 14 points in 13 playoff games. That says a lot about the young player!
Previously on HabsFanatics
| POLL |
9 MAI | 973 ANSWERS A top Habs prospect causes a surprise and signs in Europe Which of these teams will win the most games over the next 5 years, in your opinion? |
| Montreal Canadiens | 657 | 67.5 % |
| Ottawa Senators | 110 | 11.3 % |
| New York Islanders | 152 | 15.6 % |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 54 | 5.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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