What Happened
Montreal Canadiens centre Oliver Kapanen did not practice with the team on the eve of the 2026-27 season opener and is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury, according to TSN. Kapanen, 23, had been centring Montreal's second line between wingers Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov during training camp. The Canadiens open the season Tuesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
Key Details
- Kapanen did not practice with the Canadiens ahead of the season opener.
- He is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, per TSN.
- The 23-year-old centred Slafkovsky and Demidov on the second line in camp.
- Kapanen posted 22 goals and 15 assists in 82 games in 2025-26.
- He had seven pointless playoff games last spring.
- Montreal opens Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena against Toronto.
What It Means
Kapanen was in line for a top-six role after his first full NHL season, so a lower-body issue leaves Montreal's second-line centre spot uncertain going into the opener. The Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference Final last spring, and Kapanen's availability affects how the forward group is deployed against Toronto.
What's Next
Montreal opens the 2026-27 season Tuesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Kapanen's status for that game is unclear while he is listed as day-to-day.