Habs sign forward Brian Willsie to a one-year contract
Thursday, 07.07.2011 / 11:58 AM / News
canadiens.com
PRESS RELEASE

MONTREAL — Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced Thursday the signing of forward Brian Willsie to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2011-12 season. As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

In 2010-11, Willsie finished second in scoring with the Hershey Bears and 11th overall in the AHL with 68 points (30 goals, 38 assists) in 76 games. He maintained a +27 plus/minus differential, the team’s second best and served 68 penalty minutes. He was the team leader, ranking fourth overall in the AHL with 14 powerplay goals. Willsie also appeared in one NHL game with the Capitals, collecting one assist.

Willsie, 33, played 381 career regular season games in the NHL with Colorado, Washington and Los Angeles. He has registered 109 points (52 goals, 57 assists) and 217 penalty minutes. He also suited up for 10 playoff contests with the Avalanche between 2001 and 2003.

Since his professional debut in 1998-99, the 6’01’’, 202 lbs forward appeared in 473 career regular season games in the AHL, registering 365 points (173 goals, 192 assists) and 308 penalty minutes.

A native of Belmont, Ontario, Willsie was drafted in the seventh round, 146th overall by the Colorado Avalanche at the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. He joined the Capitals as a free agent on July 14, 2010.

(Photo: The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)