VIDEO: Lars Eller looks to inspire Canadiens fans and young Danes alike

Lars Eller was acquired by Montreal, along with Ian Schultz, from St. Louis in the Jaroslav Halak trade. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Growing up in Denmark, Lars Eller didn’t get a lot of exposure to the NHL, but that didn’t stop the young Dane from dreaming about playing in the league. Last year Eller made a giant step toward that goal when he left Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League to try his luck at the North American game.

A bout of mononucleosis spoiled his pre-season and as a result, he was forced to start the year in the American League with the Peoria Rivermen. But the former first round pick (13th overall) got his first taste of the NHL on Nov. 5, 2009, scoring St. Louis’ only goal in a 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames. Eller played six more games for the Blues last season, but spent the majority of the year with the Rivermen. In the off-season he was traded with Ian Schultz to Montreal in exchange for goaltender Jaroslav Halak.

Now under the microscope with the Canadiens, Eller is looking to prove he belongs in the league and in the process inspire young Danes to embrace the game the way he did as a child. Ryan Dixon caught up with Eller as he kicked off his first season with his new club.

REPORTER: Ryan Dixon | PRODUCER: Ted Cooper

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