Canadians: CH acquires Frédéric Allard

Transaction table

Anthony Richard and Frédéric Allard joined the Nashville Predators organization in the mid-2010s. They were introduced to the rigors of professional hockey within the school club and experienced the euphoria of a first recall in the National League.

Richard was recruited by the Canadian last summer and took advantage of this transfer to relaunch his career. Allard, whose Canadian acquired the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, aims to follow in his footsteps.

“When he had a change of scenery, he set foot in the National League again. When I was traded, he was the first one who called me. I think I’m going to follow his example when I arrive in Montreal to show that I, too, am capable of playing in the NHL, ”promised the Quebecer in an interview with Marc Labrecque, Guy Boucher and Denis Gauthier.

The 25-year-old rear, which the Canadian obtained by sacrificing forward Nate Schnarr, has only played one game in the NHL, with the Predators in 2020-2021. Drafted in the third round of the 2016 draft by the Predators, Allard has two goals and five assists in 35 games with the Ontario Reign this season in the AHL.

Allard spent four seasons with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the QMJHL, before turning professional in 2017 in the American League. He had his best campaign in 2018-2019 with the Milwaukee Admirals, amassing four goals and 29 points in 65 games.

“When I came out of junior, I would tell you I was a one-dimensional defender who was strictly offensive. I had a lot of gaps in my area. During my five years in Milwaukee, I worked a lot on my defense with [l’entraîneur-adjoint] Scott Ford. There I became a defender who can play on the 200 feet of the ice rink. My first quality remains my vision of the game, everything that is with the puck, good recovery, power play, but I can also be a good stable defender. »

“This year I was in a duo with a younger defenseman, so for sure it helped me to become a veteran, a big brother for these young defensemen in the American League and I think I will bring this experience there in Laval. »

Allard intended to leave California on Saturday morning in order to land in Montreal in time for the Rocket’s game against the Rockford IceHogs in the evening. His new team, however, has let it be known that he will not officially join their ranks until Sunday.

Regardless of the date of his arrival, his goal will be to stay there as short as possible.

“If you’re playing in the American League and you’re not dreaming of the National League, I don’t think you’re in the right place. Every day, I come to the arena to prove that I am ready. I believe that with the Canadian, I will have a good chance to prove that I am ready to reach the next level. »

As for Schnarr, the 24-year-old forward has three goals and four assists in 27 games with the Rocket this season. Last year, after being acquired from the New Jersey Devils for goaltender Andrew Hammond, he had 10 points in 20 games.