Montreal Canadiens sign RFA Ryan White to one-year, $625,000 contract –NHL offseason Update
After receiving a qualifying offer in June, Montreal Canadiens have finally signed their restricted free agent, Ryan White, to a one-year contract worth an estimated $625,000, announced by the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise on Wednesday, July 13.
For now, White is believed to have received a one-way contract, which according to him would be achieving his goal to playing a full season in the NHL, after only playing 27 games during last regular season.
For most of last season, White was playing with Hamilton Bulldogs, Montreal’s farm club in the American Hockey League (AHL), and was recalled near the end.
“That was my goal for the off-season and I’m happy that I got it,” White said on a conference call from his home in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, after the news broke out about his re-signing.
Ryan White, a 66th overall pick during round-three of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, will be entering his third consecutive season with Canadiens.
He played his first season with Montreal in 2009-2010 timeframe and participated in a total of 16 games, registering two asssits.
The following season, the centre player was recalled from Hamilton Bulldogs and played during the end of the season in 27 games and potted five points (2 goals, 3 assists) along with a plus-minus rating of five.
White was given the chance to perform in their seven-game stretch during the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against Boston Bruins which they lost in an extremely close series.
According to White, it was much more of a motivational factor when later on they realised they nearly won against the Stanley Cup winning team.
“You just think if we had got another bounce or two, we would have been in the second round”, White said. “But we can say we lost to the Cup champs and that should give up motivation for next season”.
Montreal might still have above $7 million available on their salary cap, but they are looking for players who can compete and make a difference for the team.
“I know that I have to come there and work hard to get better and push the guys ahead of me”, White said.
The 2011-2012 will be a deciding season for Ryan White, who at the young age of 23 is ready to make his name on Canadiens line-up.
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