Signed as an unrestricted free agent in 2001 at the age of 30, the native of Sherbrooke, Quebec was brought in to replace the outgoing Trevor Linden and support Saku Koivu as the team's second line center. Yannick Perreault wasn't able to just be a second line center though, as Koivu was soon diagnosed with cancer and missed most of that season. Perreault performed admirably in his increased role, scoring 27 goals and 29 assists in 82 games for 56 points. The year represented a career high in points for Perreault, edging out his previous high of 52 the previous year with the Maple Leafs. He also went on to put up 3 goals and 5 assists in 11 playoffs games that year.

Total Habs Stats

The centerpiece of the Chris Higgins trade to the Rangers... Okay fine he was a throw in on the Scott Gomez trade to the Habs, with Higgins and Ryan McDonagh being the [way too big] price going the other way. Pyatt quickly worked his way up the ranks through the Hamilton Bulldogs and became a favourite bottom six option for then-coach Jacques Martin. While not an offensive player at that stage of his career, Pyatt carved himself a consistent role as a minute eating speedster with high defensive acumen. He was a solid penalty killer and although he wasn't physical, he was rarely a detriment to the team.

Total Habs Stats

Sidenote: It looks like Alex Galchenyuk may end up wearing number 94, so we may have to run this one again in a few years where I'm sure he'll score a landslide victory.