Canadiens Ink Benoit Pouliot to One-Year Deal

[Thrillhouse]

MONTREAL -- Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced Monday the signing of forward Benoit Pouliot to a one-year contract (2010-11).

Pouliot, 23, completed in 2009-10 his fourth NHL season and first with the Canadiens. The left winger registered 24 points (15 goals, 9 assists), with 92 shots on goal and a +8 plus/minus differential, in 39 games with the Canadiens. Four of his goals were scored on the powerplay. In 53 games with Minnesota and Montreal, Pouliot combined for 28 points (17 goals, 11 assists), and fired 111 shots on goal. He also maintained a +8 plus/minus differential.

Since 2006-07, Pouliot has amassed 42 points (24 goals, 18 assists) with 156 shots on goal and a +7 plus/minus differential in 104 NHL regular-season games. The 6-03, 199-lbs forward also scored four winning goals, including three with the Canadiens this season.

A native of a Alfred, ON, Pouliot was selected in the first round, fourth overall by the Minnesota Wild at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired from the Wild in return of Guillaume Latendresse on November 23, 2009.

[DaleHunter32]

wonder why they didn't extend him an offer with all the others last week, was actually kinda surprised when they didn't offer him a contract last week

[Chiefs for Life]

Originally Posted by DaleHunter32

wonder why they didn't extend him an offer with all the others last week, was actually kinda surprised when they didn't offer him a contract last week

They new what they wanted to give him, an just waited till after the draft to see were they stood. The montreal media always said that they were not going to let Pouliot get away... I like Lars Eller an Benoit Pouliot an think we are going to see both of these guys on the opening day roster, but I have a feeling that the Kostitsyn brothers are going to be gone... Pouliot will be playing with Gomez an Gionta, an Eller is going to add a bit of size to the Cammalleri an Plekanec line....

[bengino]

kinda hoping that he puts it all together for a full season as opposed to being incredibly streaky like he was once he arrived on the scene in Montreal. Now that isn't to say i expect him to breakout to a 60-70 point player, but more hoping for consistency over the full season. In any case i am happy he's getting another year. He can do no worst then S. Kostitsyn.