PRESS RELEASE: Habs call up Engqvist, assign Palushaj to Hamilton

Monday, 21.03.2011 / 5:15 PM / News

MONTREAL -- The Montreal Canadiens announced Monday that centreman Andreas Engqvist has been recalled from the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs, while right winger Aaron Palushaj has been assigned to Hamilton.

The 6’04’’, 197 lbs centreman, aged 23, suited up for two games with the Canadiens this season, including his first NHL contest on January 21 at Ottawa. Engqvist was held pointless, while recording one shot on goal, two hits and three blocked shots and averaging 10:25 minutes of ice time per game.

Engqvist appeared in 62 games with the Bulldogs this season, registering 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists). Two of his goals were scored on the power play. He has collected 122 shots on goal, maintained a +8 plus/minus differential and served 16 penalty minutes.

A native of Stockholm, Sweden, Engqvist signed with the Canadiens as a free agent on July 13, 2009.

The 21 year old Palushaj suited up for the Canadiens’ last three games, including his first career NHL game, on March 17 against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell Centre. Palushaj was held pointless, recording three shots on goal and three hits, while playing an average of 8:31 minutes per game.

Palushaj, 21, ranks third on the Bulldogs with 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 57 games this season. Five of his goals have been tallied on the power play. The 5’11’’ and 177 lbs right winger is tied for first on the Bulldogs with a +15 plus/minus differential. He has registered 134 shots on goal and served 30 penalty minutes.

A native of Northville, Michigan, Palushaj was the St. Louis Blues’ fifth pick (second round, 44th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired from the Blues on March 2, 2010, in return for Matt D’Agostini.

Posted in: aaron palushaj,andreas engqvist,habs,Hamilton Bulldogs,montreal canadiens