Oliver Kapanen has been assigned back to Timra IK in the Swedish League after struggling to make an impact with the Canadiens, recording only two assists in 12 games. While he had a better faceoff percentage than some of his teammates, the Canadiens believe he will benefit from increased ice time in Sweden. His return raises concerns about whether he will continue to develop or risk getting lost in the process. In his absence, the Canadiens recalled Lucas Condotta, a move that does not align with their rebuilding strategy, as Condotta is not seen as part of the team's long-term plans.

Oliver Kapanen played a crucial role in setting up Brendan Gallagher's goal by doing the heavy lifting along the boards to get the puck to him. His contribution highlighted his effectiveness in creating offensive opportunities for the Canadiens during the game.

Oliver Kapanen found himself on the Canadiens' fourth line during the game against Calgary, a significant drop from his previous position on the top line. This shift reflects the ongoing adjustments within the team's lineup as they seek to find the right chemistry and performance.

Oliver Kapanen is set to play alongside Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky as the Canadiens mix up their lines in response to recent poor performances. His inclusion in the top unit reflects the team's need for fresh energy and productivity as they navigate through a tough start to the season. The coaching staff is looking for players like Kapanen to step up and contribute significantly as the team seeks to improve its consistency and overall performance.

Oliver Kapanen had a near miss for his first NHL goal in the sixth minute of the game, as he was in alone but was thwarted by Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington. His attempt highlighted his potential, but he ultimately left the ice without scoring.