PRESS RELEASE

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced today the signing of free agent forward Brandon Prust to a four-year contract (2012-13 to 2015-16). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Prust, 28, notched 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) in 82 games with the New York Rangers in 2011-12.The left winger tallied two of his goals on the penalty kill and added as many winning goals. He ranked first on the Rangers and was tied for sixth in the NHL with 156 penalty minutes. Prustrecorded 68 shots on goal, 144 hits and 51 blocked shots, with an average of11:56 of ice time per game.

Since his debut in 2006-07, Prust has recorded 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in 279 NHL regular-season games. The 6’0’’, 192lbsforward has scored seven of his goals on the penalty kill and added as many winning goals. Prusthas served 612 penalty minutes and shows a +3 plus/minus differential. He has added three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in24 career NHL playoff contests.

A native of London, Ontario, Prust was the Calgary Flames’ second pick (third round, 70th overall) at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.Prior to joining the Canadiens, Prusthad played with the Flames, Phoenix Coyotes and Rangers during his NHL career.