Montreal Canadiens' Alex Galchenyuk, right, celebrates with teammate P.K. Subban after scoring on New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist during the first period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Eastern Conference finals, Tuesday, May 27, 2014, in Montreal. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul. Chiasson)
The Montreal Canadiens have signed 21-year-old forward Alex Galchenyuk to a two-year, $5.6 million bridge deal.
"We are very pleased to have reached a two-year agreement with Alex Galchenyuk," Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said in a press release. "Alex is a young forward constantly improving and who has contributed to the success of the Club since joining the NHL three seasons ago. Despite his young age, he has gained valuable experience through 193 regular-season games and 22 playoff contests. He shows maturity and fits in well within our young players development philosophy. Alex is an integral part of our core of forwards and we are confident in his ability to continue to improve his game."
Galchenyuk was seventh on the Canadiens in points this year, with 46 in 80 games. He also recorded 20 goals on the year for the first time in his young career.
Drafted third overall in the 2012 NHL draft, Galchenyuk leads all 2012-drafted players in games played, with 193 in total for his career. He also leads all 2012-drafted players in total points, with 104 on his career.
Galchenyuk was the last restricted free agent for the Canadiens to sign. The Canadiens now have 23 NHL contracts on their roster, according to General Fanager.
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