The Montreal Canadiens have agreed to terms with defenceman Jeff Petry on a six-year, $33 million contract.

The average annual value of the deal is $5.5 million per season.

Petry had been eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 27-year-old was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers at the March trade deadline and had three goals and four assists in 19 regular season games in Montreal.

He also contributed three points in 12 playoff appearances.

"To re-sign (Petry) to a new contract was one of our main off-season priorities. Jeff showed a tremendous will to commit to the Canadiens and stay in Montreal," said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin in a statement. "He is a solid defenseman with speed and size who acquired valuable playoff experience this year. Jeff is a very good fit within our group of defensemen and his presence gives us a lot of depth at this position."

Petry was Edmonton's second-round pick in the 2006 Draft.