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\nCanadiens-Rangers trade could produce a surprise at training camp
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Montreal Hockey Fanatics has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA<\/p>\n
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Photo credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
In the race for the Montreal Canadiens’ 13th forward spot, one name could shake things up.<\/p>\n
The name may not mean much to Canadiens fans.<\/p>\n
Yet Berard has 48 games of NHL experience, including 13 with New York last season.<\/p>\n
That’s where his biggest advantage lies.<\/p>\n
Against younger players who are only beginning to break through, like Florian Xhekaj<\/a>, his \u201cexperience\u201d at the highest level could make the difference.<\/p>\n Fast and hard-working, he could also bring a good dose of energy in a limited role.<\/p>\n There is still one major obstacle in his way.<\/p>\n At 5-foot-9, Berard doesn’t bring the physicality the club has been looking for since the start of the summer.<\/p>\n Canadiens’ trade with Rangers puts Berard in 13th-forward battle with Xhekaj and Beck<\/p>\n He’ll also have to beat out Florian Xhekaj and Owen Beck<\/a>, two other candidates for the job.<\/p>\n A 13th forward, after all, mainly has to be ready to step into the lineup at any moment.<\/p>\n Berard enters the race from behind, but his experience could open a door.<\/p>\n It’ll be up to him to take advantage of it at camp.<\/p>\n A trade between the Canadiens and Rangers could end up being surprisingly useful.<\/p>\n