July 2, 2007
Habs ink free-agents Hamrlik, Smolinski TheFourthPeriod.com
The Montreal Canadiens have signed unrestricted free agent defenseman Roman Hamrlik to a four-year contract worth $22 million.
The signing might mean the end of Sheldon Souray's tenure in Montreal.
Later in the day, as TFP was the first to report, the Habs also signed unrestricted free agent center Bryan Smolinski to a one-year, $2 million contract.
"Roman Hamrlik established himself as a solid NHL veteran. The acquisition of Roman fills a very important need in our organization," said Canadiens GM Bob Gainey. "He is a strong defenseman with a powerful shot and excellent hockey skills. He brings to our club a solid experience and an excellent reputation."
Hamrlik, 33, played the last two seasons with the Calgary Flames. In 75 games last season, he posted seven goals, 31 assists and 88 penalty minutes.
Hamrlik was selected first-overall by the Lightning in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. Over the course of his 14-year career, he has played in 999 regular season games, recording 505 points including 131 goals and a total of 1,129 penalty minutes.
Smolinski's agreement also includes a no-trade clause.
In 82 games with the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks last season, Smolinski scored 18 goals and dished out 26 assists.
In 992 career NHL games, Smolinski has accumulated 266 goals and 360 assists for 586 points.
