Canadiens Make Interesting Decision Regarding Kapanen, Roy
The Montreal Canadiens have announced that forward Oliver Kapanen has been loaned to Timra IK, in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
Consequently, the team proceeded to recall forward Lucas Condotta to the NHL, while forward Jacob Perreault will join the Laval Rocket (AHL), via the Trois-Rivières Lions (ECHL).
The Right Call
While there’s no doubt Kapanen has shown flashes of brilliance during his brief time in the NHL, his use on the fourth line was far from ideal from a prospect development standpoint. Skilled players tend to flounder in that situation, and seeing as Kapanen’s expected goal share (xGF%) is the among the lowest in the NHL (29.6 percent), we can safely say he’ll be better off earning prime minutes in the SHL that also include powerplay usage.
The 21-year-old will burn a year of his contract regardless of where he plays this season, which means his entry-level contract has indeed kicked in.
It should also be noted his father is the general manager for Timra IK, which essentially ensures Kapanen will be used in a situation that’s conducive to producing. Additionally, playing on their top line should lead to a little more stability when it comes to building chemistry with linemates, as opposed to the rotating cast of players that comes with playing on the fourth line.
Condotta Promotion
Joshua Roy is far and away the team’s best prospect in Laval, as evidenced by his 50+ goal pace this season, but the fact that the Canadiens opted to promote Condotta rather than Roy could end up being the right decision.
There’s no reason to disrupt Roy’s season and Laval’s chemistry if the Canadiens cannot find top-six minutes for the well-rounded prospect. If the only available assignment involves sporadic use on the fourth line, Roy is better off in the AHL. Of course, you could argue the Canadiens could easily find important minutes for Roy, and you’d be right, but as it stands, it does not seem like the Habs are ready to assign him to the first or second line.
As it stands, Roy has scored seven goals and three assists in nine games, and is a significant factor in the Rocket’s fantastic start. With an 8-1-0 record, including a seven-game winning streak, the Laval Rocket are currently among the best teams in the AHL, a nice change of pace for the Montreal Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, which has failed to meet expectations in the last few seasons.
