Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Forward Josh Anderson of the Montreal Canadiens is not on the ice for warmups right now.

All Habs players (who were expected to be in uniform) hit the ice for warmups, except Anderson.

So, young Oliver Kapanen will take his place and get his chance!

Josh Anderson Absent Due to Family Reasons?

It hasn’t been officially confirmed, but we have good clues as to the real reason behind Anderson’s surprise absence.

And it doesn’t appear to be injury-related.

“Anderson told reporters after the last game that his wife was due to give birth any day now.. Maybe today’s the day?”

– Eric Engels, Sportsnet

“Josh Anderson, who said Thursday after the game that his wife was due to give birth to their first child ‘any day now,’ is not on the ice for warmups tonight.»

– Arpon Basu

If that’s the case, we’re sending a huge wave of positive vibes to Josh and his wonderful wife, Paola Finizio.

We’re mentioning it because Anderson himself shared the news during his most recent press conference.

Kapanen, 21 years old, 6 feet 2 inches and 194 pounds, was a second-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens in 2021.

He recorded 35 points in 36 games this season in the SHL, including 15 goals, plus three points in five playoff games.

With the Canadiens, in 12 games earlier this 2024-25 season, he’s posted 2 points.

Let’s see how he performs tonight!

More details to follow.