James Guillory-US PRESSWIRE
Blake Geoffrion was selected in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators after a standout stint in the NCAA with the University of Wisconsin. The grandson of legendary HOF’er “Boom Boom” Geoffrion even won the Hobey Baker Award as the top collegiate player in the United States in his final year with the Badgers.
A change would do you good
Despite his size and strong work ethic, Geoffrion struggled to find the back of the net in his first couple of seasons with the Predators and was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens last year in a deal that sent Hal Gill to the “Music City”. Geoffrion looked very promising in his short stay with Montreal and Hamilton and the Habs decided to reward him with a one-year contract in July. It was a good signing to bolster depth up front.
Like a lot of bottom-six forwards, Geoffrion is a smart player that gives an honest effort on every shift and is not afraid to get his nose dirty. He has above average skills for a fourth liner in the NHL, but lacks a little bit of speed and acceleration. He definitely needs to improve his skating this season in Hamilton, especially his first couple of strides.
Can he make it in Montreal?
I am unsure what Geoffrion’s future holds with the Canadiens. He brings enough qualities to be a good injury-call up for the Habs in a bottom-six role. However, with limited offensive upside, it’s hard to see him as anything more than a fourth-liner unless his skating improves dramatically.
