Unlike Justin Barron, who has his whole future ahead of him, William Lagesson has probably reached his full potential. The 26-year-old Swede was used sporadically by the Edmonton Oilers, appearing in 30 of the team’s first 62 games.
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For him, this transaction represents an opportunity to start afresh. Even if it means leaving a formation that is currently in the playoff portrait for a club that has had its share of troubles this season.
“There were good guys and good players in Edmonton, but I try not to think about it too much. What I want now is to join this new group and help the team win to finish the campaign strong. »
Lagesson will become a restricted free agent in July. He will inevitably want to make a good impression in the hope of signing a new agreement.
At the bottom of the territory
To do this, he is aware that he will have to refine certain aspects on the ice.
“I have to improve my offensive game, support the attack more regularly. I think it’s going to come from being used more often, said Lagesson, employed 12 min 20 s, on average, per meeting. By playing more regularly, I will gain confidence. »
“At the same time, I have to remember what got me here: being efficient in the back end, winning the fights for the puck and moving it quickly,” he added.
Eight healthy guards
It remains to be seen what plans head coach Martin St-Louis and his assistant Luke Richardson have in store for him.
With his addition and that of Barron, they are now eight healthy defensemen at the Habs. Not to mention Kale Clague who is still nursing an upper body injury and who is still training with a jersey color that keeps him out of contact.