HabsWorld.net -- 

After adding some depth players in free agency, the Habs turned their focus to Laval, inking centre Michael Chaput to a two-year, two-way deal and winger Kenny Agostino to a one-year, two-way pact.

Chaput, 26, receives the NHL minimum salary for both years, creating a $675,000 cap hit while he gets a guarantee of $325,000 in both years.  As for Agostino (also 26), he will get $700,000 at the NHL and has a $350,000 guarantee in his deal.

Chaput spent most of last year with Vancouver’s AHL affiliate in Utica where he picked up 17 goals and 25 assists in 55 games.  This came on the heels of him being a regular fourth liner with the Canucks the year before.  He did get into nine games with Vancouver last season and was held off the scoresheet.  His negotiating rights had been dealt to Chicago last Sunday.

As for Agostino, he has been one of the more prominent scorers in the minors in recent years.  He put up 53 points (17-36-53) in 64 games with Boston’s AHL affiliate last season but collected 83 points the year before with AHL Chicago.

Both players, assuming they clear waivers in training camp, should factor in as prominent players with the Rocket.  These deals would appear to rule out the possibility of veterans Chris Terry and Adam Cracknell returning.

From a contract standpoint, the Habs are now up to 43 (including Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s ELC) with five restricted free agents left to sign.  The Habs like to keep a couple of contract slots open to start the year so unless they make some trades to free up some slots, this may be it for them.