Canadiens: Desharnais, Pyatt and Subban to the Bulldogs

Montreal Canadiens

PRESS RELEASE

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens announced Sunday that forwards David Desharnais,Tom Pyatt and defenseman P.K. Subban have been assigned to the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs.

Desharnais, 23, played six games with the Canadiens this season, including his first in the NHL against the Penguins in Pittsburgh on November 25. The 5’07’’, 177 lbs forward registered his first point in the NHL (assist) on February 10 against Washington. Desharnais also recorded two hits and played an average of eight minutes and 26 seconds.

Desharnais is second on the Bulldogs with 48 points (16-32-48) in 37 games. He added 91 shots on goal and 24 penalty minutes, while maintaining a +10 plus/minus differential. He missed the first 13 games of the season with a foot injury. A native of Quebec City, Desharnais signed with the Canadiens as a free agent on November 5, 2008.

Pyatt, 23, took part in 22 games with the Canadiens this season, including his first in the NHL on November 5 against the Bruins in Boston. The 5’11’’, 187 lbs forward collected two points (1-1-2), including his first goal in the NHL on February 10 against Washington. Pyatt recorded 30 shots on goal, while playing 11:32 minutes on average per game.

In 36 games with the Bulldogs this season, Pyatt amassed 29 points (11-18-29) and maintained a +16 plus/minus differential. He also recorded 75 shots on goal and six penalty minutes. A Thunder Bay, ON native, Pyatt was acquired on June 30, 2009 from the New York Rangers.

Subban took part in two games with the Canadiens since being called up on February 11, including his first NHL game on February 12 against the Flyers in Philadelphia. The 6’00’’, 206 lbs defenseman registered two points (0-2-2), while maintaining a +1 plus/minus differential. Subban also recorded four shots on goal, served two penalty minutes and played 20:06 minutes on average per game.

Subban, 20, played 52 games with the Bulldogs this season. He ranks third on the Bulldogs’ scoring list with 39 points (11-28-39) while maintaining a +29 plus/minus differential. Subban also recorded 131 shots on goal and served 58 penalty minutes. Seven of his goals were scored on the power play. He currently ranks third amongst AHL defensemen for points.

Earlier this season Subban tallied the game decisive goal in a shootout at the AHL All-Star game. A native of Toronto, Subban was the Canadiens’ third pick (second round, 43rd overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.