Oliver Kapanen: the CH prospect to watch at the World Junior Championship
Do you know Oliver Kapanen? If you recognize the last name, that's okay, as he is the nephew of former NHL forward Sami Kapanen and also the cousin of Kasperi Kapanen, who is currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
As for Oliver, the 18-year-old was selected in the second round (64th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the last draft. He will be one of three Montreal prospects at the World Junior Championship, along with Kaiden Guhle and Jan Mysak of the Czech Republic.
CH fans will have every reason to keep an eye on the Finnish team, and in particular on this extremely gifted right winger who will wear number 27 for the occasion.
In addition to having high potential, albeit rather nebulous, Kapanen is not lacking in self-confidence, as evidenced by his response when asked about his cousin.
"Kasperi? It's clear that I'm going to be better than him," he said on camera.
Remember that Kasperi is still a scorer of nearly 20 goals in the NHL, who collected no less than 30 points in 40 games during the 2020-21 season.
The bar is set very high for Oliver, but this tournament, which should start on December 26, will be a first opportunity for him to show his abilities to the world, and especially to prove to Tricolore fans who don't know him yet, that he has what it takes to one day wear the famous Tricolore uniform.
