Kapanen’s focus, attention to detail, and work ethic are superb in all three zones. He always seems to be involved in the play in a positive way for his team. He is an incredibly responsible player who uses his hockey sense and work ethic to leave a positive mark on most shifts, in all three zones, and in all situations. He keeps his head up and knows when to try something by himself or use his teammates. He’s a very sticky player without the puck, both on the forecheck and in the defensive zone, leading to steals, turnovers, and pressuring opponents into lower-percentage situations. He’s very smart and precise with his stick lifts and poke checks. He has a good motor and empties the gas tank if his team needs him to, including on the backcheck. He’s always hungry for pucks. Kapanen’s skating is above average but it’s his hands and his sense that make him truly dangerous on the rush and in open ice, because he’s able to find space and safely carry the puck through it. He exits and enters zones very well, and loves to work the give-and-go with his linemates. He protects the puck nicely in the cycle using his hands, edges and enthusiasm for winning battles, and knows when to roll off his man to receive a pass. He gets really low in the defensive end, almost too low at times, and will throw himself into shot blocks if it’s the best option he has left. The Finn displays the same grit around the opposing net, taking punishment to create opportunities. He as a genuine nose for the net and is dangerous in the slot. He’s not the quickest or most agile skater, but he’s above average and he can be quite deceptive in motion, easily moving laterally around traffic. His transition play is helped out by great conditioning and deft puck control, allowing him to carry the puck through all three zones, even at the end of his shift. He knows how to gain inside body position to help him protect the puck. Kapanen’s physical tools hold him back a little bit, but if he can improve his speed he’ll unlock another level to his game, and he seems like the type of player who will put in the work to make that happen.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide