Canadiens Re-Sign Higgins and Komisarek

[BGDDYKWL]

MONTREAL – Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced Friday the signing of forward Christopher Higgins and defenseman Mike Komisarek to two-year contracts (2007-08, 2008-09).

“Christopher Higgins and Mike Komisarek are two of the young players we consider to be building blocks for the long term success of our team. Christopher is a complete player with great offensive skills who improved consistently since making his NHL debut. Mike displayed outstanding defensive poise over the past seasons and his physical presence is an undeniable asset to our group of defensemen” said Gainey.

In 2006-07, the 24-year-old Higgins completed his second NHL season recording 38 points (22 goals, 16 assists) in 61 games and served 26 penalty minutes. At the start of the season, the Smithtown, New York native collected 13 points (8-5-13) in as many games before an ankle injury forced him out of the lineup for 18 games. Higgins had the third highest ice-time average among Canadiens forwards (17:54). He tallied three game-winning goals and ranked third in the Molson Cup standings (34 points).

Higgins, 6-foot, 202 lbs, has registered 76 points in 143 NHL regular season games (45 goals, 31 assists) including six game-winners, 15 power play goals and six shorthanded goals with a 14.6% (goals/shots) shooting percentage.

Komisarek, 25, completed his fourth NHL season in 2006-07. It was a career year for him with personal highs in games played (82), goals, assists and points (4-15-19). He also posted the second best plus/minus differential on the team (+7) behind Tomas Plekanec, who led the team at +10. Komisarek ranked fourth in the NHL, second among all NHL defensemen, with 248 hits. The West Islip, New York native is one of only two players (Michael Ryder) to have played in all Canadiens games in 2006-07.

Komisarek, 6-foot-4, 242 lbs, totaled 30 points (6 goals, 24 assists in 220 NHL career regular season games). He was also assessed 274 penalty minutes.

[Podollan]

I still think it sucks they traded away Rivet..
at least Komisarek is tough and will drop them from time to time.

[jkidd]

Damn it. I wanted to see Komi where green this year in Minny. Mother ****er.

But, seeing how he isnt coming here, good to see him get resigned.

[bengino]

i am glad to have both in the fold, now there's just a hope that Higgins regains his form pre injury.

[Isles4life]

They like them Long Island boys up in Montreal. Good re-signings. Komisarek is developing into a real solid blueliner and Higgins can bring a major element to that offense.

[mongoose]

two very good young players.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Good signings in both cases.

[mongoose]

next to be signed are plekanec and ryder.