Canadiens Sign Georges Laraque to Three-Year Deal

**steg1989** · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 02:50 PM

Montreal, QC - Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced today the signing of free agent forward Georges Laraque to a three-year contract (2008-09 to 2010-11). TSN is reporting the deal is worth $4.5 million.

"A 10-year veteran, Georges is the kind of player who made his mark in the NHL. With his physical play and determination, we are convinced that he will add valuable energy to our group of players," said Bob Gainey.

Laraque, 31, played 71 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, recording 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) and leading the team with 141 penalty minutes. He also had 13 fighting majors, his highest total since 2002-03. He took part in 15 of the Penguins 20 playoff games, helping the club to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Laraque reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice in the past three seasons, having played 15 games with the Edmonton Oilers in 2006.

A native of Montreal, Laraque was acquired by the Penguins from the Phoenix Coyotes at the trading deadline on February 27, 2007. The 6'3" and 243 lbs right winger played 634 NHL regular season games with Edmonton (490), Phoenix (56) and Pittsburgh (88). He recorded 148 career points (52 goals, 96 assists) and 1,037 penalty minutes. He also participated in 53 career playoff games, scoring 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) and serving 68 penalty minutes.

A second-round selection, 31st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 1995, Laraque joined the Phoenix Coyotes as a free agent on July 5, 2006.

As a testimony of his devotion to the community, Georges Laraque won the Oilers’ Community Service Award on four occasions from 2001 to 2006.

Rugged · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 02:56 PM

Habs # 1 will be happy as hell if this is true. I, on the other hand, won't be so happy.

Go get 'em, Big Georges. Sorry to see you go.

R.Middleton · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 02:58 PM

I like it from Montreal. At least they finally have an enforcer.

**Thrillhouse** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 02:58 PM

Second French Canadian who said they'd never play in Montreal to go there. First Tanguay, now BGL.

Sugden Flu · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:00 PM

I thought BGL would be a good fit with the Habs and now it looks like we'll find out. He should fit right in there. He's french speaking and he's kindof passive, (as far as enforcers go). I will say that it won't be quite as easy to push the Canadians around (physically) anymore. At least another HW is staying in the East.

Colt Seavers · #6 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steg1989

Read it on the other board...I'll post a link when it comes up.

Damn you for even providing a link to that "other" thread-the darkside!

Did Edmonton even make a pitch for him?

**Thrillhouse** · #7 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:14 PM

The guy who's breaking this has a show on TEAM 1260 in Edmonton.

Poor Georges, he's gonna be seeing a lot of bench in Montreal.

**BrianTheAdsFan** · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

The guy who's breaking this has a show on TEAM 1260 in Edmonton.

Poor Georges, he's gonna be seeing a lot of bench in Montreal.

Then he can get paid to do yoga in the pressbox...

Rugged · #9 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianTheAdsFan

Then he can get paid to do yoga in the pressbox...

...or kick Eric Godard's ass again when the Canadiens play the Pens.

**steg1989** · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rugged

...or kick Eric Godard's ass again when the Canadiens play the Pens.

I don't see you and I getting along to well next season.

Rugged · #11 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steg1989

I don't see you and I getting along to well next season.

You're a Bruins fan. What does it matter?

frenchfry · #12 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:39 PM

Anyone else think this could make the Brash-BGL rivalry a little more interesting?

Habs # 1 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:44 PM

YEAHHHH BOIIIIIIII

Gainey will be cooking some other things up come the end of next week so keep your eyes peeled.

Glad to have Georges on the Canadiens thing im worried about is his speed and mobility. Was talking to him about his HS against Detroit in the finals and it was because he was not mobile enough that is why he was in the pressbox...

He will be allright in Montreal.... very glad to have an enforcer.

Just hope he watches his weight.

Tucker_316 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:46 PM

So we got Alex Henry and Big George? I'm almost happier we got Laraque then I would be if we signed another star forward or something.

I've missed guys like him on this team for too long.

Anyways, hope it's true and all.

mckayd2001 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tucker_316

So we got Alex Henry and Big George? I'm almost happier we got Laraque then I would be if we signed another star forward or something.

I've missed guys like him on this team for too long.

Anyways, hope it's true and all.

The signing is now on tsn signing tracker.

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