MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens have signed free agent defenceman
Patrice Brisebois to a one-year contract for the 2007-08 season.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"Patrice is a seasoned veteran who brings a vast experience at the NHL level. His presence adds depth to our group of defensemen," said Bob Gainey.
Brisebois, 36, returns to Montreal where he spent the first 14 seasons of his career.
''I don't know how they're going to use me but you know I'm going to give everything for that team, my heart and soul,'' said Brisebois. ''I always did that. I'm 36 years old, I still have the passion for the game, I want to compete and I want to help that team to win and make the playoffs.''
As a member of the Canadiens from 1990 to 2004 he played 791 regular season games recording 79 goals and 263 assists for a total of 342 points, and 491 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-2, 203-pound Brisebois is fourth on the Canadiens all-time list for goals by a defenceman.
A member of the Stanley Cup champions Canadiens back in 1993, the Montreal native played 78 playoff games with the Canadiens.
Over the past two seasons, Brisebois played 113 games with the Colorado Avalanche recording 49 points. He underwent back surgery last year, but he says he is healed up and ready to play.
''I feel great. I feel happy. I'm really anxious to start the season, put the sweater back on and jump on the ice,'' said Brisebois.
Brisebois was selected in the second round by the Canadiens (30th overall) in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.
