HabsWorld.net -- 

With Wednesday being the final day to accept
qualifying offers, a pair of Habs jumped the gun, as Guillaume Latendresse and
Shawn Belle each signed 1-year contracts.  As always, the financials were
not officially disclosed, but Latendresse signed his qualifying offer at $803,250. 

Last season was Latendresse’s best with the Habs in terms of points per game. 
Despite only playing in 56 contests, the winger picked 14 goals and 12 assists,
as well as a +4 rating, the first time he’s had a positive rating in his career. 
Considering the lack of size up front, he could play a significant role on the
top-2 lines this season if he can keep up with the speedsters.

As for Belle, the 24 year old defenceman spent his first full season in the
Canadiens organization playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs, where he picked up 3
goals and 10 assists, as well as a career high 93 PIMS during the season. 
He also added a goal in 6 postseason contests as well as a team leading 16 PIMS.

The signings leave 3 players left to be re-signed – Matt D’Agostini, Tomas
Plekanec, and Gregory Stewart.  The cap projection article has been updated
to reflect the Latendresse signing, follow the link below to see where the
team is at now.