Aug 3, 2007, 21:45 GMT
Montreal, QC - The Montreal Canadiens signed free agent Patrice Brisebois to a one-year contract on Friday, returning the 36-year-old defenseman to where he spent the first 14 years of his career.
Brisebois, a member of the Canadiens' 1993 Stanley Cup squad, donned a Habs jersey for 791 games and notched 79 goals and 263 assists with the team. In 78 playoff games as a Canadien, Brisebois tallied eight goals and 17 helpers. The blueliner, Montreal's second-round pick in the 1989 draft, ranks fourth on the team's all-time list for goals by a backliner.
'Patrice is a seasoned veteran who brings a vast experience at the NHL level,' said Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey. 'His presence adds depth to our group of defensemen.'
Montreal declined its option on Brisebois after the 2003-04 season, and the defenseman signed with the Colorado Avalanche. After notching 10 goals and 28 assists in his first season in Denver, Brisebois' 2006-07 campaign was cut short after just 33 games due to a herniated disc.
For his 16-year career, Brisebois has tallied 90 goals and 301 helpers in 904 games with the Montreal Canadiens and Avalanche.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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