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Habs add brawn by handing Bobby Farnham a two-way deal

Carolina Hurricanes v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 01: Bobby Farnham #23 of the New Jersey Devils waits for play to begin against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Prudential Center on March 1, 2016 in Newark, New Jersey. The Hurricanes defeated the Devils 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Are the Montreal Canadiens a better team after this off-season?

That’s up to debate, but there’s no denying the notion that they’re trying to become more physically imposing.

Friday presented the latest example of that emphasis, as the Habs handed tough guy Bobby Farnham a one-year, two-way contract.

This follows the trend of exchanging star defenseman P.K. Subban for hard-hitting star* blueliner Shea Weber and moving Lars Eller for Andrew Shaw.

Elliotte Friedman mentioned in a recent “30 Thoughts” roundup that a Canadiens player said management views players as “soft, physically and mentally.”

Farnham inspires criticisms in his play, but anyone calling him soft might lose some teeth.

Again, none of this guarantees that the Canadiens will be better next season. A lot of that likely rides on Carey Price’s health as much as anything else.

For better or worse, the way things are looking, they’ll force opponents to use a few more ice packs per night.

* - Though some might debate calling Weber a “star” at this point. These situations ... get messy, don’t they?