Grant McCagg declares Oliver Kapanen a top 3 centre for Montreal

Centre depth has become a strength in recent years for the Montreal Canadiens, with defence and goaltending following suit.

However, with Nick Suzuki leading the way, whether people like it or not, the Canadiens have a solid number-one centre. The second line, with either Kirby Dach or Alex Newhook in place, is in good hands. The third and fourth lines, as we speak, are occupied by Jake Evans and Christian Dvorak.

But in the future, maybe sooner rather than later, we could see even more options funnel into the lineup. Florian Xhekaj is likely a few seasons away, but he looks to be an option for the fourth line. But aside from him, there are a few other options that will look to fill out the third line and create competition for Xhekaj also.

Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen look to be the two biggest names to fill the third-line centre role. Kapanen appears poised to grab a spot out of camp, while Beck is more likely to play a full year in the American Hockey League. Kapanen is a bit ahead developmentally because he has 124 games of experience in the Finnish top league - Liiga, while Beck is just about to embark on his pro career.

Kapanen appears to be an option that we hadn't thought much about, but he could shock many at Habs training camp. His expected coach for this upcoming season for Timra in the SHL doesn't expect to see him back in Sweden. For him to skip rookie camp and have an invite to the main camp, speaks to the confidence that management has in his abilities.

Kapanen on the cusp?

Grant McCagg, whether you like him or not, knows his stuff about the Canadiens and has written countless articles to back that up. His belief that Kapanen could become a top three centre for the Habs, is one that many feel to be true. Kapanen, like Beck, has the smarts and high defensive acumen, while his offensive game is a little more polished than Beck's.

I mention Beck in the same conversation as Kapanen, simply because I feel both of them could be the third-line centre. Whoever pulls away with the spot, will likely have the other on their wing, which further strengthens the Habs centre depth. As you know, moving a centre to the wing is much easier than moving a winger to the middle.

If Kapanen is already drawing compliments about his potential without any NHL games, then surely he will make some noise at camp. While shocking to fans and other fanbases, Kapanen just might explode and steal a spot. This would give Kent Hughes some trade bait, with too many centremen and not enough spots.