Kostitsyn, Cote and Murray Returned to the Hamilton Bulldogs

[VodkaFish]

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced today that forwards Garth Murray and Andrei Kostitsyn, as well as defenseman Jean-Philippe Côté have been returned to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League.

Murray, 23, was recalled by the Canadiens before Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings to replace Radek Bonk, out with a groin injury.

Kostitsyn, 20, played in his first two NHL games, on Thursday December 1 against the Buffalo Sabres and on Saturday against the Kings. His callup became necessary when captain Saku Koivu injured a groin.

Côté, 23, played in the Canadiens last three contests, including his first NHL game on Tuesday November 29 in Ottawa, against the Senators. He was recalled by the Canadiens on November 29 to replace defensemen Andrei Markov and Mike Komisarek. During those three games, Côté did not collect any point but showed a plus/minus rating of +1.