Lias Andersson at the golf tournament: will he start the year with the CH?

This summer, the Canadiens signed a player they know well in Lias Andersson.

After all, Jeff Gorton drafted him out of New York (Rangers) and chose him with the 7th overall pick of the 2017 auction because he saw high potential in him.

Andersson was never in a position to establish himself as a talented NHL player. It didn’t work out in the Big Apple, so he asked for a trade… And the experience wasn’t any more fruitful after he moved to the Kings.

He only played 21 games with the Kings over two seasons, but he did well last year in the AHL. He was one of the Ontario Reign’s best players, with 31 goals and 59 points in 67 games…

And since he’s only 24, the CH decided to give him another chance.

All this to say that the Swede arrives in Montreal with the aim of revitalizing his career. You’d think he’d get the chance to shine… Because this morning, he was one of the guys at the Habs’ annual golf tournament.

Earlier this morning, Jeff Gorton reminded everyone that the playoffs are not in the club’s sights at the moment.

I feel like I’m repeating myself, but once again… It will be the players’ individual progress and the team’s collective progress that will be important to management.

And with that in mind, I don’t see why Andersson shouldn’t be given the opportunity of a position. Above all, we want to evaluate what we have on hand at the moment to see and determine what’s missing for the future.

His fine season in the AHL last year makes him an intriguing player. Sometimes, certain players take longer to mature, and if this is the case with Andersson, the CH will have won its bet.

I don’t hate the idea of him starting the year at the top, though. By putting him in the right chair and giving him an offensive role (because that’s what he is, an offensive player), maybe he’ll seize the chance to shine under the many spotlights in Montreal.

And if not… the Rocket will be able to get their hands on a talented player who has the potential to be one of Laval’s offensive leaders. That’s if he isn’t called up at the start of the season and isn’t able to land a spot on Martin St-Louis’ roster.

In gusto

– There’s a great sense of camaraderie among the players.

We asked the Habs which teammate they missed the most over the summer 🫂#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/nr6bYEdrqo

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) September 11, 2023

– Les boyzzz !

– Andrew Ladd retires.

– They are magnificent.

– Quite a veteran.