Canadiens ink forward Lehoux

The Montreal Canadiens, parent club of the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, announced today the signing of forward Yanick Lehoux to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2008-09 season.

Lehoux, 26, is a six-year veteran of the NHL and AHL. In 2007-08, the 6’1”, 200-pound center registered four points (one goal, three assists) and two penalty minutes in seven games with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage. The 2006-07 campaign saw Lehoux lead the Rampage with 73 points (31 goals, 42 assists) in 72 games as he set career highs in all three major offensive categories

In 10 career regular-season NHL contests, all with the Phoenix Coyotes from 2005-07, Lehoux has recorded four points (two goals, two assists) and six penalty minutes. In 315 career regular-season AHL games with Manchester (2002-06) and San Antonio (2005-08), the Montreal native has accumulated 240 points (103 goals, 137 assists) and 128 penalty minutes.

Lehoux, who was selected to the Canadian team at the 2005 AHL All-Star Classic but was unable to participate in the event due to injury, has averaged almost one point per game (0.94) during his last five AHL seasons.

Lehoux was selected in the 3rd round, 86th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.