Canadiens Sign David Desharnais to Two-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed center David Desharnais to a two-year contract extension worth $1.7 million. The deal will pay him $750,000 in 2011-12 and $950,000 in 2012-13. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 43 games last season with Montreal, he had eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points. He also appeared in 35 games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 35 assists for 45 points. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Desharnais has some offensive upside, skates well, and is a hard worker on the ice. Look for him to continue to improve his skills over the next two years.

Canadiens Re-Sign Desharnais, Russell, Desjardins

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have re-signed center David Desharnais to a one-year contract and left wing Ryan Russell and goaltender Cedrick Desjardins to one-year, two-way contracts. The financial terms of all three deals were not disclosed. These aren't bad depth signings for the Canadiens. Desharnais has lots of offensive skill and works very hard every shift on the ice, making him one of Montreal's top offensive prospects. Russell has some offensive upside, while Desjardins has some goaltending upside. All three players will likely spend most of next season in the minors, although if Desharnais impresses enough at training camp, he could earn a roster spot on the team.