The newcomer to the Canadiens has made a major statement and it's very promising for the upcoming season

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Elias Edmonson
July 11, 2023 (9:07)

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The General Manager of the Canadiens has been quiet during the opening of the free agent market. Indeed, Kent Hughes mentioned that he preferred to wait until some contracts ended at the end of the 2023-2024 season before trying to sign a top-tier free agent.

However, he still made a very intriguing signing by offering a one-season contract to Swedish forward Lias Andersson. The 24-year-old was selected 7th overall in the 2017 draft, but never managed to reach his full potential with the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings.

This acquisition works perfectly with the strategy put in place by the general manager of the Tricolore, who wishes to give a second chance to promising forwards who have been unable to establish themselves in the NHL so far. As was the case with Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, Lias Andersson could become a very interesting gamble for the organization.

During an interview with Patrik Bexell of Eyes On The Prize, the former Kings player made a huge statement, mentioning that he absolutely wanted to play on the Canadiens' top three lines and that he was convinced he had the necessary skills to produce in the NHL.

"I had a good last season. I feel good. I want to be in the NHL, and not just on a fourth line. I want to be higher in the lineup [in a top-9], and one day produce in the NHL. I feel that I have improved in recent years and that I belong in the NHL. I am confident that I can play well in the NHL too." � Lias Andersson

One thing's for sure, Lias Andersson seems determined to earn a spot with the Habs and that's excellent news. There is no doubt that the forward has a lot of talent and he could become a real wild card within Martin St-Louis' lineup. We are all eager to see him during the next fall training camp.

Lias Andersson, a 24-year-old forward, scored 43 goals and 39 assists (82 points) in his last 86 games in the AHL. If the forward is able to develop and become the player that Jeff Gorton and Nick Bobrov thought they drafted, the CH management will have hit a home run. In the worst-case scenario, Andersson will be a key cog for the Laval Rocket, who could help the organization's many prospects continue their progression.

Credit : DansLesCoulisses