The Montreal Canadiens summer spending splurge continued Saturday as general manager Bob Gainey announced the signing of forward Kyle Chipchura to a one-year contract worth $500,000.
In 13 games with the Habs last year, the Westlock, Alberta native picked up three assists. The 23-year old spent the majority of the season with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and adding 21 assists and a +28 rating in 51 games.
With a near complete roster overhaul, Chipchura has an excellent opportunity to finally crack the Canadiens lineup. He is a proven winner, having captained the Bulldogs to their first ever Calder Cup Championship in the 2007-08 season. He also served as Captain of Canada's gold-medal winning squad at the 2006 IIHF World Junior hockey tournament in B.C.
Chipchura was the Habs first round selection, 18th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.