The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Patrick Holland to a three-year entry-level deal. The contract goes into effect at the start of the 2012-13 NHL season.
The 20-year-old Holland’s name first drew attention when the Habs acquired him from the Calgary Flames, as part of the Mike Cammalleri / Rene Bourque deal.
Holland was recently ranked 11th by Hockey’s Future among Habs prospects. His profile notes that the 20-year-old is “one of those players who can sometimes go unnoticed but he can do it all.” Well he got noticed.
He’ll finish his season with the Tri-City Americans (WHL), where he has 24 goals and 77 assists in 66 games. Since the January 12 trade that put his NHL rights in the hands of the Canadiens, Holland has scored seven goals and 37 assists in a 26-game span.
The winger’s offensive prowess will be a welcome addition to the Hamilton Bulldogs next season.
Of note, former Habs coach Jacques Martin was spotted at a few WHL rinks, doing some scouting on Holland, shortly after the young forward was dealt to the Canadiens.
Getting to know Patrick: Our colleague Arik James of Matchstick and Gasoline’s interview with Holland, from last spring
