From Canadiens.com:
Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced today the signing of centreman Yanick Lehoux to a one-year contract for the 2008-09 season. As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Lehoux, 26, split the 2007-08 season on two continents playing with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage (1-3-4) and the Khimik/Mytischi (2-5-7) of the Russian Superleague.
A product of the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Estacades of the Quebec Midget AAA League where he amassed 79 points in 42 games in his only season on that team, Lehoux was the QMJHL 1st overall selection by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. In four seasons with the Drakkar, he recorded 382 points, including 164 goals, in 266 regular season games. From 2002 to 2005, he suited up for the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs before spending part of the 2005-06 season in Europe with the Genève-Servette and Basel clubs. He ended the season in the American Hockey League as a member of the Manchester Monarchs after playing with the San Antonio Rampage.
A native of Montreal, the 6’ and 200 lbs right-handed centreman, Lehoux was selected 86th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He played 10 NHL games, all with the Phoenix Coyotes between 2005 and 2007 recording two goals and two assists.
Habster:
I have posted some scouting report information about Yanick Lehoux. He seems like a talented player who just hasn’t been given a decent chance at the NHL level. He will be a solid addition to the Hamilton Bulldogs’ roster.
The Bulldogs certainly won’t be missing offensive talent at the center position with Lehoux, Maxwell, White and Desharnais.
From Hockey’s Future:
11. (11) Yanick Lehoux, C
3rd Round, #86 overall, 2000
Before suffering an injury that would knock him out of the remainder of the season, Yanick Lehoux led the AHL in goals, assists and points. For the first two seasons in Manchester, Lehoux suffered from inconsistent play and lack of developmental progress. However, the light seemed to switch on in Lehoux during the 2004-05 season. Suddenly, Lehoux was much more decisive as he relied heavily on his awesome offensive skills to become more involved in the play. No longer dumping the puck off, he pushed the puck up ice and finished in highlight reel fashion.
Unfortunately for all, Lehoux’s excellent season was cut short by injury. If not for the injury, the Kings would have a better gauge on the how far along Lehoux has come since he first signed out of the QMJHL. Instead, the status of Lehoux as a top prospect remains a bit of a question mark. He has since signed a contract to play in the Russian Super League this coming season.
Why Could Be Higher: Showed glimpses of stardom
Why Could Be Lower: Still unprovenNHL
Projection: Second line center
More scouting report information from CSB:
“A natural skater with a smooth stride…impressive agility and acceleration…an excellent puck handler when in motion…has very strong passing skills…a creative playmaker who makes good use of his linemates…has a quick, accurate wrist shot…always an offensive threat… ery effective on the power play and has been increasingly used on the penalty-kill…possesses good on-ice leadership qualities…needs to be more involved in the physical game.”
Here’s Lehoux in action with the Coyotes: http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?hlp=8468566