The Canadiens have started the 2026-27 season on solid footing, but Oliver Kapanen’s early stretch has become one of the more troubling storylines inside that otherwise encouraging opening.
After a 22-goal season in 2025-26, the 23-year-old Finnish centre was supposed to keep climbing. Instead, he has opened with just one goal in eight games and a plus-one rating. That kind of production would be underwhelming for almost anyone; for a player coming off that kind of breakout, it stands out even more.
The drop-off hasn’t just shown up on the scoresheet. Kapanen’s ice time has also taken a hit.
He averaged 14:28 per game last season, but that number has fallen to 12:40 this year. That’s a clear sign the coaching staff hasn’t been fully sold on what it’s seeing.
For Montreal, the issue goes beyond one slow start. Kapanen was expected to help stabilize the middle of the lineup, but he hasn’t looked like a player ready to take on that kind of role yet. He doesn’t have to be a 25-goal scorer to matter, but the Canadiens need more from someone who was supposed to strengthen their centre depth.
Nick Suzuki’s injury created a real opening. With the captain out, Montreal needed somebody to step forward and handle more responsibility.
Kapanen got that chance, including a look on the top line with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovský. It didn’t click.
He wasn’t able to generate much offense and never really seized the moment as a dependable stand-in.
That matters because the Canadiens needed more than a quiet stretch from him. Phillip Danault and Jake Evans have both made stronger cases for more ice time, even if neither offers the same offensive ceiling Montreal once imagined for Kapanen. What they do bring is reliability, defensive awareness and consistency.
Owen Beck has also entered the picture. In five games, he has picked up three points, already topping Kapanen’s offensive output in fewer appearances. Beck is still developing, but his early work has been encouraging and adds another layer of uncertainty to Kapanen’s standing in the organization.
And that’s really the bigger takeaway here: Montreal still doesn’t have a true second-line centre. Suzuki is firmly established at the top, but the gap behind him remains wide open. Danault and Evans are useful pieces, yet neither is the long-term offensive answer the Canadiens are looking for.
Kapanen was supposed to be part of that solution. Right now, he doesn’t look like it. Michael Hage could eventually enter the mix as another option down the middle, and his offensive upside gives Montreal yet another name to watch.
That also raises a harder question. Could Kapanen become expendable?
It’s far too early to force that conversation, especially after what he did last season and with his age still on his side. But if Montreal goes out and lands an established second-line centre, Kapanen could wind up as a meaningful trade chip.
Eight games won’t wipe out a 22-goal season. Still, Kapanen needs to start producing if he wants to stay central to Montreal’s plans.
The Canadiens have talent. What they still don’t have is someone who can consistently drive the second line.
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Canadiens Suddenly Have A No-Cost Roster Decision Kent Hughes Must Weigh
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The decision comes down to what the Canadiens value more right now: a younger piece who could grow into a bigger role over time, or a veteran who might help sooner but comes with a shorter runway. No move has been made yet, and for Montreal the real intrigue is whether Hughes sees this as a rare no-cost chance to address a need before another club gets there first. [Read more 🡒]