Almost everyone in Montreal was very skeptical that Oliver Kapanen would start the season at center in place of Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook, and were worried that the Finnish rookie would take the second center spot to start the 2025-26 season.
Well, after two games we must admit that Kapanen copes well with his role and shows excellent hockey. Of course, it's only two games and we'll obviously have to watch more, but so far the 22-year-old center has been impressive.
We can talk about his two goals in as many games, but there's something more that stands out about Kapanen. Indeed, his versatile play is impressive, because he literally does everything on the ice well, and does it with confidence. This style of play reminds us of a certain Philippe Danault, and this is why Maxime Lapierre believes Kapanen will replace Danault in the long term.
That's what the former NHL forward said on the latest episode of La Poche Bleue with Pascal Leclerc, explaining that for the first time in a long time, he feels Philippe Danault has likely been replaced in Montreal.
Like Danault, Kapanen is a very smart player on both ends of the floor who excels at all the little details and is also able to contribute offensively with his very good vision for the game. The Finnish center even seems to have a little more offensive talent than the Quebecer, which could make him even more important to the team. For Lapierre, Kapanen is exactly the player who can stabilize any lineup with his very mature style of play.
Of course, again, it's only two games, but if Kapanen continues to play the same way, with the same composure and maturity, he will become an irreplaceable player for the Habs.
It would even take some pressure off the Habs' future second center, whether it be a traded player or Michael Hage. Having a center like Kapanen on the roster adds depth and takes some of the defensive load off other players. So at this point it is safe to say that Ivan Demidov is in good hands and there is great chemistry between them.
'After a while'
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Zac Bolduc and Brendan Gallagher are quickly becoming a very impressive dynamic duo!@MatthewOhayon: “It’s like a match made in heaven right now.”#Gohabsgo #thesickpodcast @StuCowan1 pic.twitter.com/aKvODHMXVU
– The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) October 11, 2025
– Please note: I'
I was just informed that less than 500,000 people (average per minute) were watching @CanadiensMTL Opening game Wednesday night on TVA Sports.
This would indeed be very little if the figure is correct… – Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) October 11, 2025
– Stay with us today.
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE NHL SEASON
Sportsnet features SIX Canadian teams.
pic.twitter.com/NPqQmIxqF3– Sportsnet (@sportsnet) October 11, 2025
– More about the Habs prospect in Finland. He now has 12 points, including five goals, in 11 games.
#Habs Philip Eriksson added another assist to his tally this season
– Patrick Bexell (@zeb_habs) October 11, 2025
“It’s a pity that it ended in Canada’s defeat.”
Back @CanadaSoccerRU Saputo turned 8 years old last night at the stadium! It's a shame that we lost to Australia.
How do you like the match and your impressions of the stadium? What are your favorite moments?
#KAMNT #CanadaFootball #StadeSaputo #FootballQuebecua pic.twitter.com/65jnoO3f61– Patrice Bernier (@pbernier10) October 11, 2025
– Well said.
MONTREAL, READY FOR LEVEL 1
Regardless of the result, Friday night, above all else, revealed Montreal's full potential as a top-tier franchise.
The stadium was sold out, even with tickets costing more than MLS.
Price jokes on Stubhub… pic.twitter.com/Iw9auPtSYk– Nilton Jorge (@NiltonJorge) October 11, 2025
