Habster:

We announced this signing a few days ago (thanks to Spector and CKAC) but now it’s finally official. Maxim Lapierre had a decent year and could be developing into the checking center the Canadiens have been trying to find for years.

I’m not totally convinced Lapierre will remain at the center position as he is just as effective playing the wing where he can focus on being an agitator and use his speed to the outside more. Maxim’s Achilles heel has been his poor work in the face-off circle. Towards the end of the season and into the playoffs, he started to win more face-offs and it’s obivous he is learning the fine art of face-off from great face-off specialist like Carbonneau, Muller and Jarvis.

Lapierre will make roughly the same money as he did last season but will now have a one way contract which will pay him the same amount regardless where he’s playing.