HabsWorld.net --
The Habs continue to take care of their restricted free agents, as Monday
they re-signed W Max Pacioretty to a 2 year contract worth $3.25 million.
It is also being reported that C David Desharnais has re-signed a 2 year pact,
worth $1.7 million. Pacioretty will get $1.5 million in 2011-12 and $1.75
in 2012-13 while Desharnais is expected to make $750,000 and $950,000 in those
years.
Pacioretty, a former 1st round pick was in the midst of a breakout season as he had 24
points in 37 games before suffering a season ending neck injury in March against
the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. In 3 partial seasons with the Canadiens, the 6’2 winger has a total of 20
goals (14 last season) and 29 assists in 123 games with 86 PIMS and a -9 rating.
He also starred in Hamilton last year, picking up 32 points in 27 games while
being named the AHL’s Player of the Month in November.
Pacioretty has fully recovered from his injuries sustained back in March and
according to his conference call, has gained 10 pounds of muscle (up to around
215 pounds) and is skating 2-3 times per week which means he’s on pace to return
next season. As he noted in his presser, his worst symptom was extreme
fatigue which took several weeks to subside.
Desharnais also had a very successful season between Hamilton and Montreal.
Desharnais also was a recipient of the AHL’s Player of the Month award, he
received his honour in December, just after Pacioretty. In 35 games with
the Bulldogs, he had 45 points (10-35-45). When Maxim Lapierre was dealt
in late December, he was recalled permanently to the Habs. He got off to a
strong start before tailing off before the end of the year, but still managed to
pick up 8 goals and 14 assists with 12 PIMS and a -3 rating in 43 regular season
games. He also had an assist in 5 playoff games but played well
defensively in the Boston series.
Cap wise, the Habs now have 10 forwards signed for just under $33 million
with Benoit Pouliot, Tom Pyatt, and Ryan White as remaining
restricted free agents. Overall, they have 15 players signed for 2011-12
totaling just under $44 million. Both Pacioretty and Desharnais were
waiver exempt in 2010-11 but will require waivers from now on.
