HabsWorld.net --
On Monday, the Habs announced the re-signings of forward Gabriel Dumont and defenceman Morgan Ellis to one year, two-way contracts. As per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.
Dumont completed his fifth season in Montreal’s system this past year, playing in 66 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs while serving as team captain. He posted career highs in all offensive categories, tallying 20 goals and 25 assists with 88 PIMS and an even +/- rating. Dumont also played in three games with the Habs, failing to record a point.
Ellis split the season between the Bulldogs and the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers. He was cut from the Bulldogs early in the season and rediscovered his offensive touch with Wheeling, collecting 13 goals and 13 assists in 39 games albeit with an ugly -23 rating. He was then summoned to the Bulldogs where he played a regular role the rest of the season. Overall, he suited up in 26 games with Hamilton, picking up three goals and six assists.
Dumont will likely be pencilled in as the second or third line centre with St. John’s next season. As for Ellis, he’ll be in a battle for a spot on the right hand side of the blueline with the likes of Darren Dietz, Brett Lernout, Dalton Thrower, and, if signed, Josiah Didier as things stand. Both players must clear waivers to get to the IceCaps next year though that shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Dumont will receive $125,000 as an AHL salary with an additional $75,000 guarantee (it was $50,000 in each of the last two years) while his NHL salary would be league minimum $575,000. Ellis, meanwhile, will once again earn $67,500 in the AHL while his NHL salary would be $632,500, meaning that he simply accepted his qualifying offer.
Montreal now has 35 contracts signed for next season out of the limit of 50 with eight remaining RFA’s to sign (excluding Magnus Nygren who has already signed overseas).
Dumont’s Stats:
Ellis’ Stats: