Canadiens sign RW Laraque

Jul 3, 2008 - 9:50 PM MONTREAL (Ticker) -- After 10 seasons in the NHL, Montreal native Georges Laraque is heading home.

Looking to add a physical presence to their lineup, the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday signed the hard-nosed enforcer to a three-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but TSN of Canada reported that the deal is worth $4.5 million and includes a partial no-trade clause.

Laraque, 31, played 71 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, recording 13 points and leading the team with 141 penalty minutes. He took part in 15 of the Penguins' 20 playoff games, helping the club reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Laraque reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice in the past three seasons, having played in 15 postseason contests with the Edmonton Oilers in 2006.

"A 10-year veteran, Georges is the kind of player who made his mark in the NHL," Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey said. "With his physical play and determination, we are convinced that he will add valuable energy to our group of players."

Laraque was acquired by the Penguins from the Phoenix Coyotes at the trading deadline on February 27, 2007.

The 6-3, 243-pound tough guy has played in 634 regular-season games with the Oilers, Coyotes and Penguins. He has amassed 1,037 minutes in penalties.

The Canadiens also signed goaltender Marc Denis, another Montreal native, to a one-year contract. A 10-year veteran, Denis spent last season as a backup with the Tampa Bay Lightning, appearing in only 10 games.