Right-winger Richard Zednik, who netted a team-high 26 goals last season, has signed a three-year, $7.3 million US contract with the NHL club, general manager Bob Gainey said Wednesday.
The 28-year-old Slovakian and restricted free agent earned $1.85 million in 2003-04 when he added 24 assists for 50 points, good for fourth in Montreal scoring. Zednik added six points in 11 playoff games with a team-leading plus-7 rating.
Richard Zednik finished fourth in Canadiens scoring with 50 points last season. (CP Photo)
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His new deal calls for annual salaries of $2.3 million, $2.4 million and $2.6 million.
"We are very pleased that Richard Zednik has agreed to a long-term deal with the organization," said Gainey. "He is a very important component of our offence who showed a lot of poise and consistency over the past few seasons."
"His determination and will to win were instrumental in the team's success last season."
Zednik, drafted 249th overall in 1994, has emerged as a premier forward after overcoming injury setbacks.
On March 13, 2001, he was acquired from Washington with Jan Bulis and a first-round 2001 draft pick (Alexander Perezhogin) for Trevor Linden, Dainius Zubrus and a second-round 2001 pick.
In 512 career NHL games, Zednik has 145 goals and 124 assists for 269 points.
Zednik said he wants to be part of the World Cup of Hockey tournament to be played in Montreal and Toronto but is recovering from a hernia operation which will keep him out of action for another few weeks, something he said will put him back in his preparation.
"If I'm not 100 per cent, I'll have to think about it before I take part," he said.
with files from Canadian Press
