Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine will regrettably miss the first half of the season. To fill his position in the top six, Kent Hughes might explore the trade market for reinforcements. However, as noted by HABSolumentFan, a replacement may already exist within the team.
Three Young Players Considered to Temporarily Replace Patrik Laine
Among the promising young players in training camp, center Oliver Kapanen is making a notable impression. A second-round draft pick by the Canadiens in 2021, he is the nephew of Sami and cousin of Kasperi, and he has shown significant potential during camp that could compel Kent Hughes to keep him in Montreal.
Barré-Boulet and Heineman also have solid chances of earning a spot on the roster, given their offensive capabilities, which are crucial for securing a place in the top six.
Alternatively, Martin St-Louis might consider giving Joshua Roy an opportunity on the second line, as he is currently partnered with Christian Dvorak and Josh Anderson.
It will be intriguing to see how camp concludes and what decisions Kent Hughes will make regarding this unexpected situation following his acquisition of Patrik Laine from Jordan Harris last August. Kapanen, at just 21 years old, stands 6 feet tall and weighs 180 pounds. He was chosen 64th overall by the Canadiens in 2021 and recorded 34 points in 51 games last season in Finland’s top league. In the playoffs, he added 14 points in 13 games, showcasing his remarkable development over the recent months.
