The Habs wasted little time replacing Ryan White as mere minutes into free
agency on Tuesday afternoon, they agreed to terms on a one year, $850,000
contract with Manny Malhotra. The 34 year old returned to the NHL after
recovering from a serious eye injury and suited up for the Carolina Hurricanes,
playing in 69 games.
Malhotra has long been known as a faceoff specialist and that continued with
the Hurricanes last year. He took 952 faceoffs with Carolina, winning 566
of them for a winning percentage of 59.4%. As a team, the Habs ranked 17th
in the league at the dot last season with a team success rate of 49.6%. He
also logged over a minute and a half per game on the penalty kill and will
likely see time shorthanded with the Canadiens.
Last season, in 69 games, Malhotra recorded seven goals and six assists to go
along with 18 PIMS and an even +/- rating while averaging 11:35 per game. He also suited up in eight
games with Carolina’s AHL affiliate in Charlotte at the beginning of the year to
get into playing shape; he was pointless in those contests. In his career,
Malhotra has played 933 games, recording 115 goals and 176 assists.
Malhotra’s Stats
The Habs are also reportedly close to signing winger Jiri Sekac as per TSN’s Bob
McKenzie. He recorded 11 goals and 17 assists in 47 games with Praha of
the KHL last season.