Is it still not clear that Montreal is looking to get bigger and tougher this off-season? If so, take a look at Brandon Baddock. Sportsnet’s Eric Engels reports that the Canadiens have signed the forward to a one-year , two-way deal worth the minimum $700K at the NHL level and $110K in the AHL. The 6’3″, 220-lb. Baddock has topped 100 penalty minutes in each of his three pro seasons.
Baddock, 25, has yet to make his NHL debut but looks like a player who could make a difference on the fourth line. The former New Jersey Devils prospect is not afraid of puck battles or fist battles, as evidenced by his league-leading 154 PIM in the AHL in 2018-19. While his game may be defined by size and strength and his ability to disrupt play, his offense has also been gradually improving each year.
Between Baddock, the long-term commitment to Josh Anderson, and the addition of Joel Edmundson, Montreal is gearing up to be a much more difficult team to play against next season and in the future. However, the team also needs to be sure that they don’t forget about other areas that need improvement, such as their poor shooting numbers and 22nd ranked power play.
Lordy the Habs are getting big