Canadiens Ink Brian Gionta to Five-Year Deal
 

MONTREAL -- Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced Wednesday the signing of forward Brian Gionta to a five-year contract (2009-10 to 2013-14).

Last season, Gionta, 30, finished 5th in scoring with the Devils with 60 points in 81 games (20 goals, 40 assists). He served 32 penalty minutes, had a +12 plus/minus rating and averaged 16:58 of ice time per game.

The native of Rochester, New York will be entering his 8th NHL season in 2009-10. He played a total of 473 NHL career regular-season games with New Jersey recording 312 points (152 goals, 160 assists), 227 penalty minutes and a +62 plus/minus. Gionta was a member of New Jersey's 2003 Stanley Cup Championship team.

The right winger was a 3rd round selection by the Devils, 82nd overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. That year, he was named Hockey East Rookie of the Year (NCAA) while with Boston College. Gionta was twice a member of Team USA at the World Junior Championship (1999, 2000) and also played in two World Hockey Championships (2001, 2005).

Were Gionta and Gomez linemates in NJ?

Man I hate this guy, super quick.

Cammaleri, Gionta

I like the looks of that..

I just wish they added some size, though.

Yup, during Gionta's 48 goal season.

The small get smaller.

Not a bad signing. Chara vs Gionta had quite the rivalry, I wonder how much better it'll be now that Gionta is a Hab.

Hal Gill is a big guy and they already have Laraque

Still have Laraque right?

That won't make Gionta, Gomez and Cammalerri any bigger though. They really do have some small top 6 forwards.

Thanks. That should work out well for them. I know a lot of Hab fans are upset with Gomez' contract, and they should be, but this could work.

Now just imagine if Gainey signs Briere how small we would be... :B)

It could, depends which Gionta they get. The 48 goal scorer or the 25 goal scorer.

how much is left in cap space?? and is kovy being signed???

Just such an awkward team.

This will be a completely different Montreal team, which might be a good thing.

Guess that means the lazy f*ck Kovalev is headed elsewhere?