JUST IN: Montreal Canadiens Trade $38 Million Shooter Oliver Kapanen After Sweden Agency Comparison
In a surprising mid-season shakeup, the Montreal Canadiens have officially traded promising forward Oliver Kapanen, a move that comes amid growing scrutiny from a Sweden-based agency that compared his performance unfavorably to other top-tier European prospects.
Kapanen, who signed a lucrative $38 million contract, was expected to be a key offensive piece for the Canadiens. However, despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and performance evaluations from European scouting agencies led the team to explore trade options. According to sources close to the organization, the decision was fueled by reports indicating that Kapanen’s trajectory might not align with the Canadiens’ long-term vision.
The 21-year-old Finnish sniper, known for his strong shot and hockey IQ, has posted modest numbers this season, sparking debates among analysts about his ability to translate his European dominance into consistent NHL production. The Sweden agency’s comparison suggested that Kapanen had yet to reach the elite level expected of him, putting pressure on Montreal’s management to reassess his future within the franchise.