HabsWorld.net -- 

On Friday, the Habs locked up the last of their
remaining restricted free agents, signing RW Matt D’Agostini to a 1 year
contract.  Financial details were not officially released but reported have
surfaced that the deal is for the league minimum and is a two-way contract.  The
winger started off last season with the Hamilton Bulldogs but was brought up to
the Habs in November and never looked back.

D’Agostini had a blistering start with the Bulldogs after a strong showing in
training camp, picking up 25 points in just 20 games prior to his recall. 
He parlayed that success into a surprising noteworthy start with the Habs, where
he picked up 5 points in his first 5 games.  From there, it was a lot of
ups and downs for the Sault Ste. Marie native, as he only amassed points in
consecutive games just once the rest of the way.

There was also some concern about his defensive play down the stretch and into
the playoffs, leading to frequent healthy scratches.  D’Agostini had the
worst +/- in both the regular season (-17) and the playoffs (-5).  In the
end though, he led all team rookies in every offensive category.

Looking ahead, the 190th overall selection in 2005 will have to clear waivers to
be assigned to the minors this season and brings the total number of players
under contract to 48 (out of a maximum of 50).


Stats:


NHL
GP G A PTS +/- PIMS
Last year 53 12 9 21 -17 16
Career 54 12 9 21 -17 18


AHL
GP G A PTS +/- PIMS
Last year 20 14 11 25 +7 16
Career 159 58 69 127 +3 87

Click the link below to see what impact this
signing had on the Canadiens’ cap projections.