Very interesting acquisition by the Montreal Canadiens: Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton seem to like Lias Andersson

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Elias Edmonson
September 17, 2023 (9:13)

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Few people talked during the offseason about the acquisition of Lias Andersson by the Canadiens.

This former first-round pick, seventh overall by the New York Rangers in 2017, never really got a chance to prove himself in the NHL as he only played 110 games over six seasons with the Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings.

But if there's one person who knows him very well, it's indeed Jeff Gorton, because it was him who selected him six years ago when he was the general manager of the Blue Shirts.

Kent Hughes' partner must have had good words about him and despite the fact that Andersson is a former first-round pick, few experts see him starting the season in Montreal. However, as reported by Marc-Olivier Cook from the website Danslescoulisses.com, the chances of seeing the Swedish forward secure a spot with the big club are real, and he has a strong ally in Gorton, his former boss with the Rangers.

When he met the media at the Canadiens' golf tournament earlier this week, Gorton mentioned that the idea of the team making the playoffs in 2023-2024 is not really considered and that from the start of training camp, many young players will aim to secure a spot with the big club.

And this includes Lias Andersson, who certainly did not come to Montreal without having a chance to make the roster for the start of the regular season which will begin in Toronto on October 11th.

As we mentioned, just the fact that Andersson was present at the golf tournament earlier this week speaks volumes!

Will he succeed in his wager?

For now, it's quite difficult to answer this question because the Canadiens' training camp has not yet begun, but most experts expect the 24-year-old forward to start the season with the Laval Rocket.

He signed a one-year, two-way contract and it is logical to think that he will be sent to the American league before the start of the season, but as injuries are expected during the season, the chances of seeing him in Montreal sooner rather than later should not be ruled out.