(09/29/2006)
PRESS RELEASE

MONTREAL – Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced Friday the signing of forward Guillaume Latendresse to a three-year contract (2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09). As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Guillaume Latendresse, 19, completed the 2005-06 season with 83 points in 51 games (43 goals, 40 assists) and 105 penalty minutes with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He established career highs in assists (43) and points (83). In three seasons in the QMJHL, the 6-foot-2, 229-pound left-winger recorded 210 points, including 96 goals, and 247 penalty minutes in 169 games. Latendresse also played in 11 career playoff games with the Voltigeurs, collecting nine goals and 15 points, as well as 15 penalty minutes.

In six pre-season games with the Canadiens in 2006-07, Latendresse has collected five points, including a team-high three goals.

Latendresse, a native of Ste-Catherine, Quebec, was the Canadiens’ second pick (second round), 45th overall, in 2005.