In a truly confusing move, Marc Bergevin has re-signed pending free agent Davis Drewiske to a two year deal. It seems that Bergevin has a strange attachment to the worst players on the Montreal Canadiens roster, with Francis Bouillon, Moen, and now Drewiske getting unexpected deals.
Update: Drewiske’s deal will see him paid 625K next season, and 650K in 2014-15. This means he will carry a cap hit of $0.6375M.
What doesn’t make sense with this move is that Michel Therrien was loathe to play Drewiske after just a couple of short games, even opting to try out Yannick Weber in his spot. Defensive depth is important, but I can’t see how Drewiske would be ahead of Nathan Beaulieu or Jarred Tinordi, which already puts the Canadiens at 8 NHL quality defenders.
It’s possible that Bergevin has something in the works behind the scenes, with a defenseman likely on the move, but we can’t know that until it happens.
One thing seems pretty clear though, Yannick Weber won’t be playing many games in a Canadiens jersey, if any, next season.
PRESS RELEASE
MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Thursday the signing of defenseman Davis Drewiske to a two-year contract extension (2013-14 and 2014-15). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We are happy to have come to an agreement with Davis on a two-year contract. He brings experience and most importantly depth to our group of defensemen,” said Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.
In 29 games with the Los Angeles Kings and Canadiens in 2012-13, Drewiske raked up seven points (2 goals, 5 assists). One of his goals was tallied on the powerplay. He served 14 penalty minutes and maintained a +3 plus/minus differential. Drewiske played an average of 15:11 per game.
The 6’02” and 220 lbs rearguard has recorded 25 points (5 goals, 20 assists) in 135 NHL career regular season games. Drewiske, 28, has served 67 penalty minutes.
A native of Hudson, Wisconsin, Drewiske was acquired from the Kings on April 2, 2013 in return for a fifth round pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
