3 replacements for Patrik Laine if injured long-term
The Canadiens hope its nothing more than a week-to-week ailment, but the early look doesn't bode well for Laine.
Joshua Roy
The big question about the second line before Laine's injury was whether Joshua Roy could steal Alex Newhook's spot and push him down to the third line. Roy may now grab a place on the second line without it being a detriment to Newhook's ice time. Roy looks more ready than last season and should be a better help in this trio than in 2023-24 when he made it to the NHL and tried to replace Kirby Dach. Roy isn't Laine, but he could turn into one of the better middle-six forwards and fill a need while Laine recovers.
Owen Beck
Owen Beck was part of the re-assignments to the Laval Rocket roster, who starts training camp on Monday. Beck had a good camp with Montreal, but the emergence of Oliver Kapanen and Roy proving he should stay created the opportunity for Beck to get more development in the AHL. It's surprising that the Canadiens sent him down right after the Leafs game, as they could've held on to him while they waited for the results on Laine. However, that decision makes it seem like they're set on Beck starting in Laval, regardless.
Oliver Kapanen
Oliver Kapanen was a good candidate to make the team before Laine's injury, but an extended absence for the fellow Fin will almost certainly get him on the team. Kapanen playing in Laine's spot seems like a long shot, as he looks more like a bottom-six center to begin his career. However, the elevation of other players in the lineup will open a spot for Kapanen without waiting for a Christian Dvorak or Jake Evans trade.
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