Turns out Bob Gainey wasn’t done on the UFA front after all. Today he announced the signing of winger Tom Kostopoulos to a two-year, $1.8 million dollar contract.
Kostopoulos is still young at 28 and possesses a useful right shot, but don’t expect big numbers from the Mississauga, Ontario native. Kostopoulos has averaged almost identical numbers over the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings including 76 games and 22 points in both years.
While Kostopoulos had seven markers last season, he enters his sixth season with the Habs having played a total of 231 games while collecting 25 goals, 44 assists, and 70 points.
While the Canadiens shouldn’t expect Kostopoulos to match his AHL production at the NHL level at this point in his career, they should be able to count on his leadership qualities moving forward.
It is uncertain as to just how large a role Kostopoulos is expected to play next season. However, the addition adds more depth at the forward ranks should the Habs require a more experienced presence sometime down the line.