Canadiens Sign Olivier Fortier to Three-Year Contract

[Thrillhouse]

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced Thursday the signing of forward Olivier Fortier to a three-year contract (2009-10 to 2011-12).

Fortier was selected in the third round by the Canadiens, 65th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. This season, the Rimouski Oceanic captain amassed 35 points (eight goals, 27 assists), served 12 penalty minutes and posted a plus-3 rating in 29 games. Fortier, 19, returned to competition on February 11 after missing 40 games due to a knee injury suffered on October 31 in Baie-Comeau.

In four QMJHL seasons with Drummondville and Rimouski (2005 to 2009), the 5-foot-10, 182-pound centreman recorded 161 points (65 goals, 96 assists) with 107 penalty minutes in 205 regular-season games.

Fortier and the Oceanic will open the playoffs tomorrow in Rimouski against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. Named QMJHL Top Defensive Forward in 2007-08, Fortier will also take part in the 2009 Memorial Cup as the Rimouski Oceanic will host the CHL championship tournament from May 15-24.

Born in Quebec City, Fortier played in two pre-season games with the Canadiens in 2008-09.

[bengino]

what is it with this club always getting these players of small stature? I would like for them to have some sort of size up front, players in the 6'3-6'4 range would be much more appreciated overall.

He might turn out, but the injury might be a bit much for him to have a very long and productive career.