MONTRÉAL --
Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced Wednesday the signing of defenseman
Josh Gorges to a three-year contract (2008-09 to 2010-11).
“Josh established himself as a key member of our defensive squad last season. His reliability and solid play made him one of our most improved players. He is a young defenseman with a very good work ethic,’’ said Bob Gainey.
Gorges, 23, will begin his fourth season in the NHL this fall. In 2007-08, he set career highs in games played (62), points (0-9-9) and shots on goal (41). Gorges took part in the final 52 games of the season and played in all 12 playoff games.
A native of Kelowna, British Columbia, Gorges was acquired by the Canadiens from the
San Jose Sharks on February 25, 2007 along with a first-round selection in 2007 (Max Pacioretty), in return for
Craig Rivet and a fifth-round selection in 2008. He played 165 career games in the NHL, scoring 19 points (1 goal, 18 assists), and serving 89 penalty minutes.