Press Release - The Montreal Canadiens Sign Free Agent Joe Callahan

CANADIENS SIGN FREE AGENT JOE CALLAHAN TO A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

MONTREAL (October 7, 2011) – Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of free agent defenseman Joe Callahan to a one-year, two-way contract (2011-12). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Callahan registered one assist in 27 games with the Florida Panthers in 2010-11. He served 12 penalty minutes and recorded 21 shots on goal. He added 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 48 games with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Callahan, 28, played 46 career regular season games in the NHL with the New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks and Panthers. He has registered four assists, maintained a +5 plus/minus differential and served 16 penalty minutes.

Since his professional debut in 2003-04, the 6’03’’, 210 lbs defenseman appeared in 450 career regular season games in the AHL, registering 100 points (19 goals, 81 assists) and 359 penalty minutes.

A native of Brockton, Massachusetts, Callahan was drafted in the third round, 70th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes at the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He joined the Panthers as a free agent on August 3, 2010.

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