What Role Will Cedric Paquette Play In Montreal?
One of the interesting acquisitions of the summer for the Habs is certainly that of Cedric Paquette as an energy player. The simple fact of coming to play near his family and being back in Quebec in front of Quebec fans will certainly motivate him to be even more effective.
He does not come with a promised role in the team's lineup and he knows he will have to work hard to keep his starting spot. However, he knows that with a good contribution every night, he can help his team at the #4 center position. If he does his job defensively and plays with energy of course.
A role he has always played in the NHL and has made a career out of killing penalties and winning important face-offs on defense. That's what he sees himself doing on a regular basis with the Habs next year, as he has agreed to a one-season contract.
With the departures of Staal and Danault, that means that for now, we would have a center line of Suzuki, Kotkaniemi, Evans and then Paquette. Unless Ryan Poehling comes in to muddy the waters, but it still looks like something is missing.
In a way, Paquette got a chance to revive his career, as after winning the Stanley Cup with the Lighting in 2020, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators in the off-season and to the Carolina Hurricanes in the middle of the campaign. With 8 points in 47 games last year, it wasn't his best season, but he seems very resilient and ready to do whatever it takes to come back strong.
Here's the offensive picture right now with Paul Byron's injury:
TOFFOLI � SUZUKI � CAUFIELD
HOFFMAN � KOTKANIEMI � GALLAGHER
DROUIN/PERREAULT � EVANS � ANDERSON
LEHKONEN � PAQUETTE/POEHLING � ARMIA
Credit: SportsAddik
| POLL | ||
Is this a good addition by Bergevin? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 52.1 % |
| No | 57 | 47.9 % |
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