Canadiens Acquire Palushaj for D'Agostini

CANADIENS ACQUIRE FORWARD AARON PALUSHAJ
FROM THE ST. LOUIS BLUES IN RETURN
FOR MATT D’AGOSTINI

MONTREAL (March 3, 2010) – Montreal Canadiens’ General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced tonight the acquisition of forward Aaron Palushaj from the St. Louis Blues, in return for the forward Matt D’Agostini. Aaron Palushaj will report to the Hamilton Bulldogs.

The 20-year old Palushaj suited up for 44 games this season with the Blues AHL farm team, the Peoria Rivermen, recording 22 points (5 goals and 17 assists), serving 22 penalty minutes, shooting 80 times on the opposing net, while maintaining an even plus/minus rating. The 6’ and 183 lbs right winger registered 24 points (7 goals and 17 assists) in 48 career games in the AHL.

A native of Northville, Michigan, Palushaj was a second round selection, 44th overall by the Blues in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Palushaj played with Des Moines Buccaneers from 2005 to 2007, before suiting up for the University of Michigan Wolverines from 2007 to 2009. In 2009 he was voted to the CCHA All-Star Team and to the NCAA West First All-American Team.

D’Agostini, 23, registered four points (two goals, two assists) in 40 games with the Canadiens this season. He also recorded 48 shots on goal and served 26 penalty minutes. In 94 NHL career games he registered 25 points (14 goals, 11 assists), recorded 164 shots on goal and 44 penalty minutes. D’Agostini was the Canadiens’ fifth pick (sixth round, 190th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Hockey's Future.com Profile of Aaron Palushaj
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/aaron_palushaj

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