MONTREAL, QC - Montreal Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of forward Alexander Avtsin to a three-year contract (2010-2011 to 2012-2013) and forward David Desharnais to a one-year, two-way contract (2010-2011). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Desharnais, 23, led the Hamilton Bulldogs in scoring as he set a franchise record for points in a season with 78 (27 goals, 51 assists) in 60 games. The Quebec City native also led the 'Dogs in post-season scoring as he set a franchise record for most points in one playoffs with 23 (10 goals, 13 assists) in 19 games. Desharnais also played in six games with the Canadiens in 2009-2010, including his first-career NHL game on November 25th, 2009 against Pittsburgh. He registered one assist in the six games. The 5-foot-7, 177-pound centre has recorded a total of 139 points (52 goals, 87 assists) in 148 career regular season games in the AHL with Hamilton (141) and Bridgeport (seven games).
Avtsin, 19, played in 30 games in 2009-2010 with the KHL's Moscow Dynamo recording nine points (three goals, six assists) along with 10 penalty minutes. In 2008-2009, the 6-foot-2, 188-pound right winger accumulated 110 points (56 goals, 54 assists) in 76 games with the Moscow Dynamo-2 (Russia-3) and served 130 penalty minutes. The native of Moscow, Russia was drafted in the 4th round, 109th overall by the Canadiens at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
For information on 2010-2011 Bulldogs season tickets, flex packs, mini packs and group tickets call 905-529-8500 or visit www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.
