HabsWorld.net -- 

For the second straight summer, the Habs have signed veteran winger Alex Belzile on the opening day of free agency.  They’ve agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract worth the league minimum of $850,000 at the NHL level.  The deal carries a $400,000 AHL salary and a $450,000 guarantee.

Belzile was Laval’s top scorer last season, notching 29 goals and 33 assists in 66 games, spent almost exclusively on the top line.  He primarily played on the wing but saw a bit of time down the middle when injuries (or suspensions arose) and is likely to have a similar role with the Rocket next season.

Over his career at the AHL level, Belzile has 149 goals and 213 assists in 512 games over parts of a dozen seasons.  That hasn’t materialized in much of an opportunity in the NHL, however, as the 34-year-old only has 44 career appearances under his belt, all coming during his first stint with the Habs from 2020-21 through 2022-23.

While Montreal isn’t expected to be overly busy in terms of NHL signings today, they have some work to do in Laval with more than half their roster likely to turn over before next season.  He will count against the veteran count of six next season and it wouldn’t be shocking if another veteran is added to the fold before too long.