Canadiens: Checking In On Four Former Fringe Habs Now Playing Overseas

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.