The Montreal Canadiens have made a pair of roster moves involving two key players as they continue to shape their organization for the 2025 season. On Saturday, the club announced that center Oliver Kapanen has been reassigned to the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL), while goaltender Cayden Primeau has been loaned to the same affiliate team.
Oliver Kapanen, a promising young forward, has shown consistent growth in recent years. Drafted in the second round (64th overall) by the Canadiens in the 2021 NHL Draft, Kapanen is known for his high hockey IQ, two-way game, and leadership abilities. The 20-year-old Finnish center impressed during his time overseas with KalPa in the Finnish Liiga and continued that momentum during the Canadiens’ development and training camps. While he did not crack the opening-night NHL roster, the reassignment to Laval is widely seen as a strategic move to help him continue adapting to North American ice and playing styles.
In Laval, Kapanen will get valuable minutes and experience playing in key situations that may not have been available to him in Montreal at this stage. The Canadiens remain high on his long-term potential and are expected to monitor his development closely in the AHL.
Meanwhile, Cayden Primeau’s move to Laval comes after serving as a depth option behind Sam Montembeault and Jake Allen for much of last season. Primeau, 25, has bounced between the NHL and AHL since being drafted in the seventh round in 2017. He has demonstrated flashes of strong goaltending in both leagues but has yet to solidify a full-time NHL role.
By loaning Primeau to Laval, the Canadiens provide him with the opportunity for more consistent starts and a chance to regain his confidence and rhythm. Primeau has had success in the AHL in the past, and a strong showing in Laval could once again open the door for a call-up later in the season, especially if injuries or performance issues arise at the NHL level.
Both moves reflect the Canadiens’ commitment to long-term development and depth-building across their system. With a focus on youth and internal growth, Montreal appears to be laying the foundation for a sustainable future. Fans in Laval will now have the chance to watch two notable talents continue their development up close.
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