HabsWorld.net -- 

On Wednesday, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced the signing of W Richard Zednik to a 3 year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.  The deal is worth $7.3 million dollars.  He will make $2.3 M this season, $2.4 M next season, and $2.6 M in 2006-07.

Zednik joined the Canadiens on March 13, 2001, along with Jan Bulis, and a 1st round pick (Alexander Perezhogin) in exchange for Trevor Linden, Dainius Zubrus, and a 2nd round pick (Steve Eminger).  Zednik was drafted 249th overall in 1994 by the Capitals.

Last season, the Slovak winger had a career high 50 points (26-24-50), in 81 games, and had 6 points (3-3-6) in 11 postseason contests.  Zednik has steadily improved his game since arriving with Montreal, and has tallied 153 points in 255 career games with the Canadiens.

“We are very pleased that Richard Zednik has agreed to a long-term deal with the organization,” said Gainey.  “He is a very important component of our offence who showed a lot of poise and consistency over the past few seasons.  His determination and will to win were instrumental in the team’s success last season.”

This coming season, Zednik will likely remain on the team’s top unit, alongside Saku Koivu.