HabsWorld.net -- 

The Habs have taken care of another one of their restricted free agents.  The team announced on Monday that they’ve signed defenceman Maksymilian Szuber to a one-year, two-way contract.

Montreal acquired the 23-year-old back in June in exchange for winger Joshua Roy, one of several ‘change-of-scenery’ swaps they’ve made this offseason.

Last season, Szuber played in 65 games for the Mammoth’s AHL affiliate in Utah, putting up 11 goals and 16 assists along with 67 penalty minutes.  He has one career NHL appearance under his belt, that coming back in the 2022-23 season.  That performance helped slot him fifth among left-shot defenders in our positional prospect rankings.

Szuber, a Poland native, represents Germany internationally.  He has played in two World Juniors and three World Championships.

Given Montreal’s depth on the left side of their back end, it’s fair to suggest that Szuber isn’t expected to make their roster out of training camp.  Instead, the goal will be for him to play a big role with Laval and be a serviceable recall if injuries arise.  Szuber will have to pass through waivers in the fall to do so, however, as he’s waiver-eligible for the first time.

With this signing, the Canadiens have three remaining restricted free agents.  Arber Xhekaj is the lone rearguard needing a new deal while wingers Zach Bolduc and recently-acquired Sasha Pastujov still need to be signed as well.  They’re now up to 41 signed contracts out of the limit of 50.