Kent Hughes has another contract decision on his hands, and this one involves a player who has quietly pushed his way onto the Canadiens’ extension radar.
Oliver Kapanen became eligible for a contract extension on July 1, joining Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes on the list of Montreal players now in that window. Nothing is done yet, but the possibility is there, and the next move could come sooner rather than later.
Nicolas Cloutier laid out Kapanen’s situation clearly: "Oliver Kapanen also became eligible for a contract extension on July 1.
He will complete his entry-level contract in 2026-27."
That means the center still has one season left on his current deal, the same timeline as Dobes. Hughes doesn’t need to rush, but the door is open if the Canadiens want to act early.
Kapanen’s case is interesting because of what he just put on the ice. In 82 games this season, he finished with 22 goals and 37 points, including 15 assists. At 22, the Finnish forward is still settling into the NHL, but the upward trend is obvious.
He also comes at a bargain rate right now, with a salary of $925,000. That gives Montreal strong value no matter how people feel about his finish to the 2025-26 season.
Still, the next year matters. The 2026-27 season could shape everything for Kapanen’s future in Montreal.
If he breaks out, his price climbs fast. If he settles for an average year, the Canadiens may find themselves back in the same debate about whether he belongs in their long-term plans.
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For Montreal, that matters because Runtso is not just another late-round flyer hoping to blend in and wait his turn. He has a background in the NAHL and has already shown he can adapt to a different level and a different environment, which is part of what makes him intriguing inside the organization. The next question is how quickly that comfort off the ice turns into traction on it, especially as he begins building relationships with teammates and carving out his place in a crowded development picture. [Read more 🡒]
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Canadiens Linked To A Veteran Winger Fans Will Instantly Debate
A veteran winger is already popping up in early offseason chatter around Montreal, and the appeal is easy to understand. Marc-Olivier Beaudoin floated the idea of a low-risk addition for the 2026 summer, pointing to a player with size, proven scoring touch and enough experience to help stabilize a young forward group without forcing the Canadiens into a long commitment.
The discussion gets more interesting because of the potential fit with Ivan Demidov, a pairing that would give Montreal a mix of youth and polish on the wing. Beaudoin framed it as the kind of short-term move that could make sense if the price stays reasonable, but for now it remains nothing more than speculation, the sort of idea that will draw plenty of debate long before the Canadiens have to make any real decision. [Read more 🡒]