Hockey

“Oliver Kapanen to replace Phillip Danault”
Mathis Therrien
“Oliver Kapanen to replace Phillip Danault”
Credit: Getty Images

Virtually everyone in Montreal was very skeptical that Oliver Kapanen would start the season at center to Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook, and worried that the Finnish rookie would take over the second center spot for the start of the 2025-2026 season.

Well, after two games, we have to admit that Kapanen is fulfilling his role wonderfully and playing some excellent hockey. Of course, it's only two games, and we'll obviously have to see more, but so far, the 22-year-old center is impressing.

We can talk about his two goals in as many games, but it's much more than that that's catching the eye with Kapanen. Indeed, it's his all-round game that impresses, because he literally does everything well on the ice, and does it with confidence. It's a style of play that reminds us of a certain Phillip Danault, and that's why Maxim Lapierre believes Kapanen will replace Danault in the long term.

https://www.youtube.com/live/I7NXdI6etJo

That's what the former NHL forward said on the latest episode of La Poche Bleue with Pascal Leclaire, explaining that this is the first time in a long time that he feels Phillip Danault has probably been replaced in Montreal.

Like Danault, Kapanen is a very intelligent player on both sides of the rink, who executes all the little details brilliantly, as well as being able to contribute offensively thanks to his very good vision of the game. The Finnish center even seems to have a little more offensive talent than the Québécois, which could make him even more important to the team. For Lapierre, Kapanen is exactly the kind of player who can stabilize any line-up, thanks to his very mature style of play.

Pascal Leclaire added that Kapanen is exactly what the Habs need at the center of a third line, and what's more, he found him excellent at short-handed. He didn't seem at all overwhelmed by events, and he played with great confidence against the big guns of the Leafs and Red Wings.

Of course, once again, it's only two games, but if Kapanen continues to play the same way, with the same composure and maturity, he'll be indispensable to the Habs.

It would even take some pressure off the Habs' future second center, whether it's a player obtained via trade, or Michael Hage. Having a center like Kapanen in the lineup adds depth and takes some of the defensive load off the other players. So for now, it's safe to say that Ivan Demidov is in good hands, and there's a great chemistry between the two.

'Overtime'

–

– Please note: I'

– Stay tuned today.

– More from the Habs prospect in Finland. He now has 12 points, including five goals, in 11 games.

– Too bad it ended in defeat for Canada.

– Well said.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!