The Montreal Canadiens had a quiet start to the day on Wednesday, when the free agent market opened, but the organization hired at least one Quebecer: Anthony Richard.
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“Among the offers received, it was the one that allowed me to play the most games in the National Hockey League, said Richard, about his decision to join CH. I had been made aware that Laurent Dauphin would not return and the objective is to take his place. I have an opportunity.”
If Dauphin finds himself again with the Arizona Coyotes, the CH has also signed contracts with two other support players, namely forward Mitchell Stephens and defender Madison Bowey.
Photo d’archives, AFP
Madison Bowey
In the case of Richard, 25, he has played just two career games in the National Hockey League, with the Predators. The Nashville team drafted him in the fourth round in 2015, then retained his services with qualifying offers.
close to family
Taking advantage of a fresh start, the young man from Trois-Rivières is aware that he could just as easily end up with the Laval Rocket, in the American League (AHL).
“I left young for Val-d’Or for junior hockey, I have always been far from family and friends. It is sure that it has a lot of importance in the balance. It’s good to come home. I’m excited,” agreed Richard.
The Quebecer also admitted to having been seduced by the atmosphere reigning at Rocket games in Laval, when facing the CH school club, with the Syracuse Crunch, during the recent playoffs.
“I’m sure people in Laval had good words for me after the series I had against the Rocket, mentioned Richard, who scored four goals and two assists in five games. The atmosphere at Place Bell was incredible. It’s like being in a National League amphitheater.”
A connection with Kent Hughes
Under the terms of his contract, Richard will receive a salary of $750,000 if he plays with the Habs and his compensation is guaranteed up to $350,000. His pay is set at $300,000 in the American League. The link between the Quebecer and the management of the Canadian was also natural since Richard relies on Philippe Lecavalier as an agent, who knew the general manager Kent Hughes well at Quartexx Management.
“With Kent, you could say he knows my strengths. We know what I can bring to both leagues and that I am an option for a recall if I have to end up in the American League,” said Richard.
This is precisely the route that Dauphin had taken last season, finally playing 38 games in the uniform of the Canadian.
Former second-round picks
About the two other players hired by the Canadiens early Wednesday afternoon, Stephens donned the Detroit Red Wings uniform 27 times last season and totaled six assists. He has 72 career NHL games, having been the Lightning’s second-round pick, the 33rd overall, in 2015.
Photo d’archives, Martin Chevalier
Mitchell Stephens
For his part, Bowey is a 27-year-old guard and he has mainly played in the AHL during the last campaign. With the Vancouver Canucks farm club located in Abbotsford, he scored 28 points in 53 games, also appearing in two playoff games. The former Washington Capitals, Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks also played two games in Vancouver in 2021-2022. Bowey was selected in the second round, 53rd overall, by the “Caps” in the 2013 draft. He had 40 points in 153 NHL outings, but totaled only four meetings after the 2018-2019 campaign.