Updated

The Montreal Canadiens signed defenceman Josh Gorges to a one-year contract on Friday.

Gorges had a goal and six assists in 36 games last season. He had 18 penalty minutes and averaged 21:10 seconds of ice time per game.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Josh Gorges for the 2011-12 season," said Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier in a statement. "He is a very reliable defenceman for our club."

The 26-year-old from Kelowna, B.C., has played with Montreal for six seasons.

Gorges suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee on December 26 at Long Island.

"Josh is recovering extremely well from his knee injury that kept him out of the lineup for half of the regular season and the playoffs," said Gauthier. "We look forward to seeing him at training camp."