Paquette: 'It'll be a privilege to wear the jersey'

MONTREAL - The Canadiens agreed to terms on a one-year contract with forward Cédric Paquette on Wednesday.

Shortly after the announcement, Paquette spoke with reporters via Zoom.
Here are a few highlights from his press conference:
Paquette on joining the Habs:
It might sound cliché, but when I was young, this was myteam. It's a very important moment in my career, one that I'll never forget. I got the offer this morning and it was tough to pass up, especially being from Gaspésie. Playing for the Canadiens is huge. It didn't take long to make a decision. This is where I wanted to play.

Paquette on his role with Montreal:
We'll see with time. There's still some time before training camp. I think I'm a fourth-line player who can also play on the third line. I'm a center who can help out on the wing. I played a lot of wing this past season, so I'm used to it. I also think I can help the youngsters at center.
Paquette on being traded to Ottawa a few months after winning the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay:
It was tough. I was traded one week before training camp. It wasn't easy with all the COVID-19 protocols. I got to Ottawa with the best intentions, but I also put a lot of pressure on myself and things didn't work out. I got in my own head. I came back to Montreal to recharge my batteries and do a bit of a career reset this summer. I'm in good spirits right now and I'm ready to contribute for the Canadiens.
Paquette on the significance of playing for the Canadiens:
If you told me 20 years ago that I'd play for the Canadiens, it would've been a nice story. I've matured a lot. I'm 27 years old now. I'm still young, but I have experience in the League and I think I can manage the pressure of playing in Montreal. It'll be a privilege. We just have one life to live, and I think playing for the Canadiens will be extraordinary. That's why I accepted the challenge, and it'll be a privilege to wear the jersey.