Bruins add Pouliot

“He’s maybe someone who’s underachieved,’’ acknowledged general manager Peter Chiarelli. “He’s got a real good skill package and a size package. He has to be pushed. We have a strong group that can push him. I’ve told Benoit that. He’s still relatively young. We hope he can buy into what we’re selling. We like his size, skating, and his shot.’’

The 6-foot-3-inch, 199-pound forward - he played on the left side in Montreal, but Chiarelli said he can play both wings - is best known around Boston for some rough stuff against the Bruins. On Feb. 9, during an 8-6 Boston romp at TD Garden, Pouliot one-punched David Krejci during a third-period scrap. In Game 3 of the playoffs, Pouliot was called for charging when he threw a high hit on Johnny Boychuk. The play brought Andrew Ference calling, and the two were called for fighting.

It was the last time the fourth-line wing dressed in 2010-11.

“He’s been a healthy scratch in Montreal,’’ said Chiarelli. “He cer tainly has shown some flashes. He’s got to earn a spot, as will everyone else. He’s anxious to come here and prove himself. We think he’s got a pretty good package.’’

Last year, Pouliot had 13 goals and 17 assists in 79 regular-season games. He averaged 11 minutes and 32 seconds of ice time.

Pouliot is the third former Canadien the Bruins have signed on the opening day of free agency. On July 1, 2008, the Bruins signed Michael Ryder to a three-year contract. A year later, the Bruins signed Steve Begin to a one-year deal.

Yesterday, the Bruins said goodbye to Ryder, who signed a two-year, $7 million contract with Dallas.

“He provided us with good service when we needed it,’’ Chiarelli said of the three-year Bruin. “It’s going to be something we have to replace. We like the growth of our guys and our forward group. We feel confident that collectively, we can replace that.’’