It turns out Alexander Semin wasn’t the only signing the Habs had in store on Friday as it was announced that the team has signed Daniel Audette to a three year, entry level contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Audette was Montreal’s 5th round pick in 2014, selected 147th overall. Like his father (a scout for the Canadiens), he is a skilled but very undersized forward, standing just 5’8 and 176 lbs.
Last year was Audette’s third season with Sherbrooke of the QMJHL. While he did put up career highs across the board (29-44-73 in 60 games) to lead the Phoenix, his year was full of ups and downs when it came to his production. He had 22 points in October alone but just 23 in the next three months combined. In his junior career, he is just shy of being a point-per-game player, tallying 178 points in 182 games.
The team had until next June to sign him which makes the timing of this contract a bit surprising. Nonetheless, as he won’t be playing in the NHL next season, his contract will slide a year and not count against the 50 contract limit.
Audette’s Stats:
