Canadiens Sign Francis Bouillon and Peter Vandermeer to One-Year Contracts

[VodkaFish]

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced today the signing of Canadiens’ defenseman Francis Bouillon and of free agent forward Peter Vandermeer to one-year contracts (2005-2006).

"We are happy to retain the services of a veteran of the calibre of Francis Bouillon. Francis is a very reliable defenseman whose determination is contagious. He fits very well within our group of defensemen. As for Peter Vandermeer, he is a role player with a lot of experience in the AHL. Considered to be a good team player, he will add depth and toughness to our group of forwards", commented Bob Gainey.

Bouillon, 29, will begin his sixth season in the Canadiens uniform. In 2004-05, he registered 18 points in 21 games (6 goals, 12 assists) with Leksand in the Swedish League. Bouillon played in 228 career regular season games in the NHL, totalling 49 points (8 goals, 21 assists) and 171 penalty minutes. He was the recipient of the Jacques Beauchamp-Molson Trophy in 2003-04 with the Montreal Canadiens.

Bouillon joined the Canadiens as a free agent on August 18, 1998. Following a short stint with the Nashville Predators, he was claimed on waivers by the Canadiens on October 25, 2002.

The 29 year old Vandermeer played with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s main affiliate, last season recording 4 goals and 13 assists and 310 penalty minutes in 73 regular season games. The 6’ – 210 lbs left winger began his professional hockey career in 1996-1997 and played for several teams including AHL franchises in Rochester, Providence, Wilkes-Barre, Philadelphia and Grand Rapids in 2004-2005. Peter Vandermeer’s AHL career stats include 43 goals, 50 assists and 1,759 penalty minutes in 380 regular season games.

[habsfighter15]

Wow amazing. Stupid Gainey, better start getting some names soon! Anyways I guess this means Ivanans is for sure getting a shot at the NHL seeing as Vandermeer will replace him in Hamilton. Or do you think Vandermeer has a shot with the Habs? I doubt it.

[AVALANCHE FAN]

I cant believe Grand Rapids or Detroit for that matter let Vandermeer go that easly,I figured with Mccarty gone Det would call him up and make him their new tough guy.

[devils29]

Originally Posted by AVALANCHE FAN

I cant believe Grand Rapids or Detroit for that matter let Vandermeer go that easly,I figured with Mccarty gone Det would call him up and make him their new tough guy.

If they did that they might have some resemblence to a tough hockey team. They couldn't do that.
I heard they're gonna have two enforcers this season: The Sedin twins. They'll sign with Detroit and become the tough guys.

[Dirk]

Babcock will find a better fighter that can actually play at the NHL level....

[Jaw Breaker]

Originally Posted by AVALANCHE FAN

I cant believe Grand Rapids or Detroit for that matter let Vandermeer go that easly,I figured with Mccarty gone Det would call him up and make him their new tough guy.

I told you in another thread he would never see action in a Wings jersey, hes simply not their kinda player.

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Originally Posted by devils29

If they did that they might have some resemblence to a tough hockey team. They couldn't do that.
I heard they're gonna have two enforcers this season: The Sedin twins. They'll sign with Detroit and become the tough guys.

I can see the headlines, Detroit signs Sedine sisters to replace Mccarty.

[Jaw Breaker]

If the Wings want a guy who just fights, they could do a hell of alot better than Pete frickin Vandermeer. He's just your typical run of the mill guy,..theres dozens like him.