A Major Message Has Just Been Sent by newly acquired Forward Lias Andersson

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MarcO
July 13, 2023 (8:29)

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The day after the opening of the free agency market, Kent Hughes offered a two-way, one-year contract worth $775,000 to young Swedish forward Lias Andersson.

Certainly influenced by his colleague Jeff Gorton, who drafted the young man 7th overall in the 2017 draft while he was leading the New York Rangers, the Canadiens' GM saw another low-risk opportunity that could yield big returns.

Radio host Pat Laprade, on BPM Sports, mentioned that the newcomer could be seen as Anthony Richard's replacement by the Canadiens' management.

So, it should be expected that Andersson will have the same role that Richard did.

"We would have offered the same contract to Anthony Richard. Could we have signed Anthony Richard for the same terms he just got in Boston, or have Lias Andersson? I think we took the gamble that Andersson had a higher ceiling in terms of talent and hope." - Pat Laprade

In a recent interview with journalist Patrik Bexell of Eyes on the Prize, Andersson made a very interesting statement showing that he will give his all for his new organization. Indeed, he said he really wanted to play for the Canadiens and was already looking forward to practicing his French.

"I am super excited to be a part of the Canadiens and I can't wait to come and be a part of the community, and I hope to learn a little French here. I'm going to work this summer and I hope to be able to order food in French, you know, those kind of easy things. I hope I can practice my French here when I get some time. I'm just super excited to be a part of a historic club." - Lias Andersson

Andersson is not only aiming for a role on the bottom six but to make a big contribution to the club.

"I mean, I hope so. I had a good season last year. I feel good. I want to be in the NHL and I don't just want to be on the fourth line. I want to be higher than that [in the lineup] and, hopefully, produce in the NHL someday. I feel like I've made strides in recent years. I think I belong in the NHL and I'm convinced that I can play well in the NHL." - Lias Andersson

With the current congestion in the Canadiens' offense, it would be surprising, barring an excellent training camp, for Andersson to start the season in Montreal. He will then have to prove with the Rocket that he deserves a call-up by being the most dominant player in the Laval organization.

Last season, with the Ontario Reign in the AHL, the forward scored 31 goals and 28 assists for a total of 59 points in 67 games. This was his best offensive season in professional hockey since his arrival in North America.

Let's hope his current motivation carries over onto the ice!