Everything points to Oliver Kapanen starting the season as the Montreal Canadiens' second-line center.
I know, I know…
It's not necessarily the ideal scenario. Kent Hughes wasn't able to land a center capable of playing in the top six this summer, so now we have to make do with what we have on hand with the Habs.
But things can always change as the season goes on. The Habs could make a move to acquire a player who can help the team right away.
And according to the latest rumors, the Canadiens are currently looking into the Mark Scheifele situation in Winnipeg. Here's what Nick Kypreos mentioned in a recent article:
The Canadiens are among the teams interested in Scheifele after failing to land Larkin in a trade. They see him as the ideal partner to support their first-line center, Nick Suzuki. – Nick Kypreos
Interesting.
In his first trade board of the new season, @RealKyper takes a look across the NHL at the top candidates to move, plus several other players to watch. https://t.co/c6cSL4Rkeh
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 24, 2026
In his article, Kypreos also mentions that players like Michael Hage, Oliver Kapanen, Kirby Dach, and Samuel Montembeault could be part of a trade that would bring Scheifele to Montreal.
And that, too, is interesting on some levels.
Scheifele is a 33-year-old who averages 70 points per season, is set to earn $8.5 million through 2031, and would help balance the Canadiens' offense on the second line. He has what it takes to help the Canadiens become better—and more dangerous offensively…
That said, we know the player's reputation in Montreal, and we remember what happened in the 2021 playoffs with Jake Evans. Would Canadiens fans be willing to see him play in Montreal after what happened?
Would they be able to forgive him, much like we're seeing with Chris Kreider right now?
As long as it helps the team win, I personally have no problem with it. But I know not everyone feels the same way either…
Quick Thoughts
– I can't wait.
This crew is INCREDIBLE
(via: @TimHortons) pic.twitter.com/vwqZWsVORO
— BarDown (@BarDown) September 24, 2026
– Great goal!
#Habs Filip Eriksson on the power play. A wicked shot for his first goal of the SHL season. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/phOeMEu5RZ
— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) September 24, 2026
– Must-read.
A new team in the top 5. https://t.co/3KLlTtxE2h https://t.co/A4d0G7exGT
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) September 24, 2026
– Absolutely.
Lionel Messi deserves “to say goodbye the way he wants to”: https://t.co/PnwStNN2SE
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) September 24, 2026
