MONTREAL (CP) - The Montreal Canadiens signed forward Christopher Higgins and defenceman Mike Komisarek to US$3.4-million, two-year contracts on Friday.

They will each earn $1.5 million next season and $1.9 million the year after.

The 24-year-old Higgins and 25-year-old Komisarek are both former first-round draft picks by the Canadiens and have become key components of the team.

"Christopher Higgins and Mike Komisarek are two of the young players we consider to be building blocks for the long term success of our team," GM Bob Gainey said in a statement.

Higgins recently completed his second NHL season. He had 22 goals and 38 points in 61 games during a year in which he missed significant time with an ankle injury.




Komisarek is coming off his fourth year in the league. He had personal bests in games (82), goals (4), assists (15) and points (19).