Oliver Kapanen has emerged as a standout player in the NHL this season, especially noted for his face-off skills. As a member of the Montreal Canadiens, he plays on the team’s second line alongside Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov. Kapanen’s contributions extend beyond his offensive capabilities; he is also recognized for his defensive responsibilities and effectiveness in face-off situations.
Top Rookie Face-off Specialist
According to a recent report by Kevin Dubé from the Journal de Montréal, Kapanen ranks as the NHL’s third-best rookie face-off specialist for the current season. The NHL’s official rankings highlighted Kapanen’s performance after he took a total of 458 face-offs, winning 199 of them. It is important to note that only rookies who have taken over 350 face-offs were considered for this ranking.
Comparative Performance
Despite some struggles compared to his teammates, Kapanen’s placement among the top rookies is significant. His ability to compete with some of the best players in the league adds to his impressive profile. Other rookies mentioned in the same context include Justin Sourdif, Ryan Greene, and Noah Laba. However, they have not taken on as much responsibility as Kapanen, making his achievements more remarkable.
Future Prospects
As discussions continue about the long-term positioning of players within the Canadiens, Kapanen’s role as a potential second-line center becomes a topic of interest. To cement this position, he needs to improve his performance in crucial face-off situations. Past players like Kirby Dach faced similar criticisms regarding their face-off win rates, which affected their roles on the team.
As the season progresses, all eyes are on Kapanen to see if he can sustain and elevate his performance. With every game, he has the opportunity to solidify his standing as a key player for the Canadiens.
