The Montreal Canadiens camp currently has 16 forwards, with 11 players expected to secure their place on the team. Meanwhile, five forwards are battling for their opportunities: Oliver Kapanen, Samuel Blais, Joe Veleno, Owen Beck, and Florian Xhekaj. Here’s what we know about this competitive situation.
Xhekaj, Beck, and Kapanen have the option to join the Laval Rocket easily. In contrast, Veleno and Blais would need to clear waivers to transition to Laval. Recent practice observations reveal that four of these five players were in blue jerseys, while Kapanen stood out in a regular jersey. He trained alongside Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook, two pivotal members of the team.
The forward lines featured in practice were structured as follows:
- In Red: Slafkovsky, Suzuki, Caufield, Demidov, Newhook, Kapanen
- In White: Dach, Laine, Bolduc, Evans, Gallagher, Anderson
- In Blue: Xhekaj, Beck, Blais, Veleno
Samuel Blais has been anticipated to assume the role of a 13th forward for the Canadiens. Throughout camp, he has demonstrated his capability to fulfill responsibilities previously held by Michael Pezzetta.
Conversely, Owen Beck appears to need more time before making a mark in the NHL. Although he possesses potential, additional time in a development role would be beneficial for his growth. Meanwhile, Xhekaj made a strong impression at the beginning of camp, but his recent performance has waned. This raises questions about the possibility of his imminent return to Laval and the duration before a potential recall.
Thus, Joe Veleno and Oliver Kapanen could likely compete for the last two roster spots. Despite Veleno’s solid performance last Saturday against Toronto, Kapanen’s status is telling, especially after he donned a regular jersey during practice.
However, there’s another factor to consider. According to Renaud Lavoie on BPM Sports, Kapanen has garnered a reputation for lacking courage, a perception that might hinder his standing within the NHL. This has led some to speculate whether Veleno and Blais could take on the roles of the 12th and 13th forwards instead.
While it’s clear that Kapanen is not perceived as the boldest player in the league, the ongoing discussions highlight that he must overcome this reputation if he intends to remain in Montreal for the full season. Lavoie emphasized that doubts about a player’s readiness for playoff intensity—especially against gritty opponents like the Florida Panthers—could signal deeper concerns.
In conclusion, Joe Veleno appears to hold an advantage in this competitive environment. Nevertheless, players can evolve, and Kapanen’s inclusion among the regulars indicates the Canadiens’ current strategy. However, if he fails to display the necessary tenacity at the season’s outset, the team has no obligation to retain him for the entire duration.
