Oliver Kapanen #91 of the Montreal Canadiens takes his "rookie lap" before his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins on October 10, 2024 in Boston (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
The Montreal Canadiens will have a decision to make on Oliver Kapanen, but an IIHF Transfer Agreement loophole could allow them to send him to the Laval Rocket.
After a strong training camp, the 21-year-old was able to earn himself a roster spot and begin the year with the Canadiens.
The Canadiens had two options when it came to where Oliver Kapanen would be playing this season: Montreal or Timra.
Despite being in his best interest, sending Kapanen to the Laval Rocket to start the season was not an option. That’s because Kapanen has a valid contract in Sweden, the IIHF Transfer Agreement stipulates that, in the first year of his entry-level contract (ELC), Kapanen must first be offered back to his European club before being able to go to the AHL.
But, although the ruling is clear when it comes to opening night rosters, there is a section of the IIHF Transfer Agreement which could allow the Canadiens to send Kapanen down to the Laval Rocket down the line.
Transfer Agreement Loophole
How can this work?
For Kapanen to avoid being returned to Europe, he had to first secure a spot on the Canadiens’ roster out of training camp. Given the injuries to Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Patrik Laine, Kapanen was able to make the Canadiens out of camp.
However, more importantly, he must then remain on the Canadiens’ roster for 60 days. Then, and only then can they assign him to Laval without getting approval from Timra IK.
The rule is as follows, as per the IIHF agreement with the NHL.
The key is for Kapanen to stay on the Canadiens' roster for 60 consecutive days before being reassigned to Laval without approval from his previous team.
According to IIHF and NHL regulations, if a player makes the NHL roster, they cannot be sent to the minors before 60 days have passed on the active roster, unless they’re first offered back to their previous European team.
Time on injured reserve doesn’t count towards the 60 days, so remaining healthy will be a huge part of it, so the Canadiens can evaluate Kapanen in NHL games.
Assessing The Right Development Path
It’s no secret that Kapanen would get top minutes if returned to Sweden, as Timra head coach Olli Jokinen has confirmed in a previous interview with RG.
The other thing to keep an eye out for is that Patrik Laine is also set to return within the next 60-80 days and that could be the tipping point in deciding Kapanen’s fate for the season.
Laine’s return, barring a healthy roster, could force the Canadiens to place someone on waivers or make the easier decision of sending Kapanen to Laval or Timra.
Regardless of what happens, it’s important to note that his entry-level contract has already kicked in, so whether he plays in Montreal, Laval, or Timra, his year is burned. Should he struggle during this evaluation, they could assign him to Timra before the 60-day period.
The Canadiens see an interesting piece for the future in Kapanen, and they’ll make the best decision for his development, as next season will be his true test in the NHL.
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
