Hockey

Report: “Canadiens Will Bank On Youth” To Fill Injury Holes

Published: Oct 3, 2024, 12:17 PM
4 min read
Updated: Aug 18, 2025, 2:26 PM
Fact checked by:
Sergey Demidov
Oliver Kapanen #27 of Team Finland during the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship (Photo by Dale Preston/Getty Images)

Oliver Kapanen #27 of Team Finland during the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship (Photo by Dale Preston/Getty Images)

 

The Montreal Canadiens are already suffering from the injury bug and the season hasn’t even started yet. But, they’re not ready to panic just yet.

Losing Patrick Laine for 2-3 months and then David Reinbacher for 5-6 months in a matter of minutes is some serious bad luck.

Despite wanting to stay in the mix for a playoff spot throughout the entire season, the Montreal Canadiens don’t appear in the market for a quick fix.

As a previous source had mentioned to RG, the Montreal Canadiens are looking for true, long-term upgrades to their roster and not quick fixes to try and squeak into the playoffs.

“The team wants to bank on their youth to keep them afloat and help push for a playoff spot,” said the source. “Don’t expect a rush or panic trade, it’s not coming.”

Instead, the organization is seemingly looking within.

Canadiens Youth Coming Of Age

The Montreal Canadiens appear ready to turn to their youth to try and fill the gap of Laine’s loss.

According to a well-placed source within the Canadiens organization, upper management is considering keeping Oliver Kapanen on the roster to start the season.

Kapanen’s situation is a little more complicated than other prospects, because he is under a valid contract with Timra IK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

That means that Kapanen has to make the Canadiens’ main roster if he wants to stay in North America, as he cannot be sent to the AHL.

Given his continued strong performances during the preseason so far, it seems that Kapanen will be on the roster to start the year. Being 21 years of age, Kapanen’s entry-level contract has already kicked in, regardless of where he plays this season; meaning that there isn’t a risk in playing him for 10-20 games in the NHL and sending him back to Sweden for more seasoning.

Joshua Roy’s Opportunity

Yes, Oliver Kapanen could very well crack the roster due to Laine’s injury, but Joshua Roy is the player that has the most to gain from this recent rash of injuries.

The youngster already impressed a great deal this pre-season and has NHL experience as is; making him he clear candidate to replace Laine.

The 21-year-old looked like a bonafide NHLer last season, and, according to the same source, the Canadiens are hoping he can step up and take the next step in his development.

 

 

Roy’s combination of elite Hockey IQ and vision make him one of the only available Canadiens prospects that could realistically hope to be a top-6 forward.

He’ll be afforded every opportunity, including regular power play time, to grow his game further and make the Canadiens and even deeper team once Laine returns.

Don’t Hold Your Breath

The Montreal Canadiens appear to want to take the “wait and see” approach to test the fabric of the team and see if they can pull themselves out of the basement of the NHL standings.

The young core, even prior to Laine’s acquisition, was looking to compete for a playoff spot, so the pressure is on the players, not management, at this point.

Overall growth is the key for the organization moving forward this season, so one shouldn’t expect a stop-gap solution, when the Canadiens feel they have internal solutions that deserve a closer look.

For a full breakdown of the latest promotions, check out our sportsbook reviews.

Senior News Editor
Marco D’Amico is an accredited hockey reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens, with a strong focus on NHL prospects, the NHL Draft, and player development. His work has appeared on TSN, RDS, CBC, and more, and he’s interviewed top talents like Lane Hutson, Shane Wright, Ivan Demidov, Logan Cooley, and Nathan MacKinnon.
Interests:
NHL
Content Marketing

More NHL News

Hockey
Interview
Aaron Ekblad Stays With Panthers On Discount Deal To Chase More Cups

Aaron Ekblad’s $48.8 million extension with the Florida Panthers was driven by his pursuit of a three-peat as the franchise looks to cement its dynasty.

6
08/22/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Aaron Ekblad Stays With Panthers On Discount Deal To Chase More Cups
Hockey
News Report
NHL Source: Kraken, Canucks Circle Back on Marco Rossi Trade

Could the Vancouver Canucks or Seattle Kraken be a trade match with the Minnesota Wild when it comes to restricted free agent center Marco Rossi?

5
08/21/2025
James Murphy
James Murphy
NHL Source: Kraken, Canucks Circle Back on Marco Rossi Trade
Hockey
Interview
Quiet NHL Free Agency "Seen as Norm" Going Forward, Says Executive

An NHL executive believes quiet free agency periods, with stars re-signing instead of testing the market, are becoming the norm.

5
08/21/2025
Jim Biringer
Jim Biringer
 Quiet NHL Free Agency "Seen as Norm" Going Forward, Says Executive
Hockey
Interview
Emotional Fedorov Says “I Was Always a Red Wing” as No. 91 Heads to Rafters

Sergei Fedorov says Detroit’s decision to retire his No. 91 “took his breath away” as the Red Wings prepare to honor him during their centennial season.

7
08/20/2025
Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Emotional Fedorov Says “I Was Always a Red Wing” as No. 91 Heads to Rafters
Prev
...
Next
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.