HabsWorld.net --
The Habs took care of one of their restricted free agents on Friday as the team announced that they’ve re-signed centre Lukas Vejdemo to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal pays the league minimum of $700,000 in the NHL which means he took less than his qualifying offer. For that, he receives a small bump in AHL pay from $70,000 to $105,000.
The 24-year-old spent most of this past season in Laval where he actually took a small step back offensively as he managed to put up just 19 points (9-10-19) in 47 games, a slightly lower point per game rate than his rookie year (13-16-29 in 66 games). However, Vejdemo was rarely used in an offensive role and instead was frequently featured on their checking line which is the role he’ll be used in if he gets another NHL opportunity.
Vejdemo did manage to get into seven games with the Canadiens this season where he logged 8:01 per night of ice time. His goal against Nashville (his only point) happened to be Montreal’s last regular season goal before the pandemic hit. Despite that, he was left off of Montreal’s training camp roster for the postseason.
There is likely more news coming with Vejdemo soon. It’s believed that a pair of Allsvenskan teams are vying for his services on a loan to start their upcoming season. (SHL teams won’t accept short-term loans.) However, for that to happen, he had to have an NHL contract first. Now with that out of the way, he should get the green light to join one of those teams to stay in shape before NHL training camp begins for the 2020-21 campaign.
Vejdemo’s Stats: