Observations:

July 2016 – In the midst of a huge shakeup in Montreal, the Canadiens did not give Lucas Lessio a qualifying offer and therefore became an Unrestricted Free Agent on July 1st. It`s really not much of a surprise considering how many young players are clogging up the pipeline at the moment, and the momentous shift through the entire organization. Lessio remains unsigned after day one of free agency, but should catch on somewhere with a two-way deal. Mike Barrett

March 2016 – Lessio scored his first goal as a Montreal Canadiens on March 22 when he netted the game-winner against the Ducks at the Bell Centre (video below). Other than a few games as a healthy scratch due to the ever-turning Habs roster, Lessio has been a mainstay on the fourth line bringing his size, speed and energy to each shift. What Lessio brings in terms of work ethic and character is something the Canadiens were deeply lacking all season, and with this part of the season essentially being training camp for next year, Lessio is fighting for a permanent spot with the Habs. Mike Barrett

December 2015-  Lucas Lessio has been traded to the Montreal Canadians for Christian Thomas. Lessio had gotten off to a slow start after being cut in Coyotes training camp, posting seven goals and 12 points in 24 games for Springfield of the AHL. An excellent skater with good size, Lessio's offense hasn't progressed much after a very good rookie pro season. Keith Duggan

October 2015- It was expected Lucas Lessio would make a strong push for a roster spot on the Coyotes during training camp. Instead with one of the final cuts he finds himself in the AHL with Springfield. With a strong start he could find himself back up with the big club though. Keith Duggan

June 2015- With two call-ups to the Coyotes, one extended one in mid-season, Lucas Lessio got into 26 games in the NHL. He didn't put up huge numbers, two goals and five points, but he played mostly bottom-six minutes, averaging 12:45 per game. Lessio put up solid numbers in the AHL again with 15 goals and 31 points in 49 games. His two-way play could still use some work but it won't be surprising to see Lessio in Arizona next season full-time. Keith Duggan

January 2015- In Lucas Lessio's second call-up of the season and fifth game with the Coyotes, he assisted on a Mikkel Boedker goal for his first National Hockey League point. The Coyotes would like to give their young players a shot, so look for Lessio to get an good opportunity to prove he can play in the NHL.  Keith Duggan

November 2014- After three scoreless games with the Coyotes, Lessio has been returned to Portland of the AHL. Keith Duggan

November 2014- Lucas Lessio has been recalled from Portland. The Coyotes felt they needed more speed and quickness in the lineup, assets Lessio offers. Keith Duggan

October 2014- With less than a week before the season starts and one of the final cuts, Lucas Lessio was assigned to Portland of the AHL. Lessio had a good training camp but the Coyotes decided to go with veterans and give the young power forward more time to develop in the AHL. Look for him to earn a call-up at some point this season but probably spend most of the year in Portland. Keith Duggan

May 2014-It was a solid rookie pro season for Lessio, finishing fourth among rookies in the AHL with 54 points. His 29 goals were ninth in the league and his 13 power play goals finished for seventh in the AHL. The power forward needs to work on his two-way game but looks to be a promising prospect for the Coyotes. Keith Duggan

February 2014 – Lessio is currently 10^th in AHL rookie scoring and his power forward game is coming around well.  With a slow first couple months in Portland of the AHL after starting the season in the NHL, around December Lessio’s game starting getting much more consistent.  Since December 1^st, Lessio has 24 points in 25 games and his game has been really helped by playing on a line with center Andy Miele.  Could see a call up to the Coyotes but probably will play a bottom six role and won’t be much of a fantasy asset this season. Keith Duggan

October 2013 – One of the biggest surprises of the Coyotes opening day roster, Lucas Lessio has started the season with the Phoenix Coyotes big club. Lessio beat out several players for a roster spot including 2013 first round pick Max Domi. Averaging about 12 minutes a game playing on the third and fourth lines the first week of the season, Lessio remains scoreless to this point. After a injury plagued 2012-2013 OHL season, Lessio will probably end up in Portland of the AHL at some point to get more playing time and pro experience. The fact that Lessio is with the Coyotes right now shows how the team feels about his play and future with the team. Keith Duggan

April 2013 – It was an up-and-down year for Lucas Lessio of the Oshawa Generals as the big winger struggled with injuries and consistent production. He started the season strong with 12 points in his first eight games but would not see the consistent production for the remainder of the season. When Lessio is on top of his game he is one of the better skating forwards in the OHL as he packs a powerful stride. He has the ability to drive the net and scores most of his points when he shows this willingness. Lessio finished the 2012-13 OHL regular season with 19 goals and 34 points in 35 games. In the post-season, he picked up three points in the opening series but failed to record a single point in Barrie's 4-game sweep of the Generals. Brendan Ross

November 2012 – Signed a three year entry level in the summer and returned to the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. He is currently upgrading his production to a point per game pace and leading the team in power play goals with six. He has not played in the past 3 weeks due to an injury. Lessio also missed the opportunity of playing in the Subway Super Series late last week. Jason Banks

February 2012 – Lessio is a fitness fanatic and it shows through his 6-foot-1, 200 pound frame. He plays on the edge, often taking minor penalties but rarely fights. Lessio is known for his soft hands, and has put up modest numbers playing for the Oshawa Generals the past two seasons. The former seventh overall pick in the OHL Priority Draft has yet to break out offensively, and needs to develop his defensive play before he makes the jump to the pro level. Jason Banks

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Lessio is on the verge of being a full-time Coyote. But that role as of right now looks to be a bottom-six forward.

Footage:

First Goal with the Montreal Canadiens 

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Lessio scores nice SO goal against Chicago:

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