Agreed. The question is whether he becomes elite 4th line Chore a solid 3rd line C.
Personally, if you're right that he is not creative,I would prefer him to become an elite, defensive 4th line, F/O C when the game is on the line.
I want my 3rd line to be a two-way, scoring line that has more creativity, offensively, than not.
Montreal will align good forwards, but not elite forwards, IMO. To be competitive long term, a playoff team with a chance to go far in the playoffs, the Habs will have to depend on scoring depth and a strong puck-moving D-Corps, with more time spent in the O-zone than the D-zone.
By being present, offensively, in the opposing zone, for extended periods of time, not only will it provide scoring opportunities, but it also makes for the best D. It's hard for opponents to score from within their own D-zone.