A past acquisition that went under the radar could make Kent Hughes look like a genius
A few days before the start of the Montreal Canadiens' training camp, there is excitement in the air as we eagerly anticipate seeing the players back in action.
Obviously, it will be interesting to follow the progress of the team's young players, as well as the prospects of the organization. Moreover, we will finally have the chance to see several new faces, including a certain Lias Andersson.
This 24-year-old Swedish center, who was a seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft, the same as Nick Suzuki, could certainly cause a nice surprise in the coming weeks.
Given that all signs indicate that Christian Dvorak should not be ready for the start of the new season, in the event that Andersson makes a good impression during the preseason games, he could potentially snag a spot among the team's top four centers.
Among Suzuki, Kirby Dach, or Sean Monahan, with one of them expected to play on the wing and Jake Evans as well, although Alex Newhook can also play center, it wouldn't be at all far-fetched to see Andersson secure a spot, at least for the duration of Dvorak's absence.
After all, with the statistics he accumulated last year in the AHL, it must be said that he is too strong for the league. He totaled 33 goals and 62 points in 29 games with the Kings' farm team.
He will greatly benefit from a fresh start in a new organization, as he had absolutely no chance to prove himself with a well-run team like Los Angeles.
Let's remember that Jeff Gorton knows him very well, as does the co-director of amateur scouting, Nick Bobrov, who drafted him with the New York Rangers. It is very plausible that the management wants to give Andersson a real chance to prove what he can do.
If he finally becomes a regular NHL player, able to play on the team's top-9, it would be another masterstroke by Kent Hughes and, frankly, he still has the potential to become that player.
Credit : Habs et LNH
| POLL | ||
Where do you see Lias Andersson next year? | ||
| On a 3rd line in Montreal | 29 | 49.2 % |
| On a 4th line in Montreal | 12 | 20.3 % |
| With the Rocket of Laval | 18 | 30.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
