Lucas Lessio
For Lucas Lessio, his NHL tenure was brief and at times promising, but ultimately the Maple, Ontario native was never able to find a consistent role in North America. A second-round pick of the Phoenix Coyotes in 2011, Lessio was a model of consistency in his three seasons with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals and showcased that in parts in four seasons in the Yotes organization.
Establishing himself as a regular performer and a talented, physical, two-way winger with the Portland Pirates, Lessio saw a brief 26-game stint with the Coyotes in yet another lost season in 2014-15, posting 2-3-5 totals.
After starting the 2015-16 season with the Springfield Falcons, Lessio was dealt to the Canadiens in exchange for another once-prospect in Christian Thomas. Along with a brief stint with the St. John’s IceCaps, Lessio became an infrequent part of the Habs bottom six towards the end of the season, posting 1-1-2 totals over 12 games.
Since then, Lessio has pretty much played everywhere and anywhere overseas, seeing time in the KHL, SweHL, SM-Liiga, DEL, and the Czech Extraliga. After struggling to find his footing over his first four seasons (playing for seven different teams) Lessio has since found a home in Germany, finishing 30th in league scoring this year with the Krefeld Penguins, posting 25-16-41 totals over 56 games.