The Montreal Canadiens currently occupy the 13th position in the Eastern Conference, seemingly eliminated from playoff contention unless they embark on a remarkable winning streak. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the team will continue to engage in selling off assets in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. Despite the departure of Sean Monahan, which has created a vacancy on the roster, it appears that the Canadiens are not finished with their roster adjustments.
With Monahan’s departure and other players sidelined due to injuries, there is now available space in the forward positions. Consequently, the Canadiens are actively promoting players from their developmental system to assess their potential. Among the recent call-ups are Joel Armia, who has been recalled, along with Joshua Roy and Brandon Gignac.
While Armia is a recognized NHL player and there is considerable anticipation surrounding Roy’s debut in the NHL, Gignac remains relatively obscure. Typically, the most promising and accomplished players who have demonstrated their ability to compete at a higher level are prioritized for promotion, as was the case with the Canadiens and Laval Rocket. However, as additional roster moves are expected, or if Roy or Gignac fail to secure a permanent spot in the NHL for the remainder of the season, attention will shift to identifying the next candidate for promotion, namely Lias Andersson.
Andersson Possesses Strong Credentials
Among the young talents within the Canadiens’ system who could potentially be called up to play for Montreal this season, Andersson boasts the most impressive draft pedigree and still holds significant potential, provided he is granted the right opportunity. While opportunities may not always arise early in a player’s career or with the ideal team, the current circumstances in Montreal present a favorable scenario for Andersson.
Unlike many of his counterparts in the Canadiens’ developmental system who have yet to make the NHL, Andersson was a high draft pick, selected seventh overall in 2017. Despite now being 25 years old, this should not be perceived as a disadvantage. Rather, it signifies a player with untapped potential, having accumulated 110 games of NHL experience that should not be discounted prematurely. At 25, many players have not yet reached their peak performance levels, and all it takes is one opportunity, one compatible linemate, or a couple of games for a player’s true potential to be recognized. His addition to the organization was low-risk regardless.
Although there are vacancies at center and on the wing for the Canadiens, if Roy maintains his position in the NHL on the wing, Andersson could potentially slot into the fourth line in place of Gignac if he fails to deliver or struggles with the demands of the NHL at present. Notably, Andersson’s playing style emphasizes physicality, and he has recorded more takeaways than giveaways over his career. Additionally, he has been entrusted with significant shorthanded ice time, suggesting his defensive capabilities, although he has yet to receive ample opportunities to showcase his offensive prowess.
Throughout his career, Andersson has averaged less than 11 minutes of ice time per game and has not been afforded favorable circumstances to thrive. Despite consistently posting respectable numbers in the AHL season after season, his opportunities in the NHL have been limited, with just one game played over the past season and a half. In the current AHL season, Andersson has recorded 13 goals and 23 points in 28 games, building on his impressive performance with the Ontario Reign, the Los Angeles Kings’ affiliate, where he tallied 31 goals and 59 points in 67 games last season. Despite his evident potential to make an impact at the NHL level, Andersson has been overlooked for a genuine opportunity in the league over the past two years. With available space and opportunity within the Canadiens’ lineup, it would be remiss if the team does not afford him a chance to prove himself, even if only for a few games on the third line this season.
