Canadiens agree to terms on a two-year contract with free agent defenseman Tom Gilbert

Montreal Canadiens PRESS RELEASE

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced today that the team has agreed to terms on a two-year contract (2014-15 and 2015-16) with free agent defenseman Tom Gilbert.

In 73 regular season games with the Florida Panthers in 2013-14, Gilbert earned 28 points (3 goals, 25 assists). He recorded one winning goal and six points on the powerplay (2 goals, 4 assists). The 6’2’’ and 206 lbs defenseman directed 93 shots on opposing netminders, blocked 95 shots while averaging 21:20 of ice time per game.

Gilbert, 31, recorded 204 points (39 goals, 165 assists) in 520 regular season games since making his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers back in 2006-07. He registered 14 goals on the powerplay, had four game winning goals and scored once while shorthanded.

Gilbert, who played college hockey at University of Wisconsin in the WCHA, recorded 89 points (33 goals, 56 helpers) in 162 regular season games with the Badgers from 2002 to 2006. He previously suited up with the Chicago Steel of the USHL between 2000 and 2002, collecting 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists). On the international stage, Gilbert represented the USA at the 2008 World Hockey Championships jointly hosted by Quebec City and Halifax, posting four points (1-3-4).

A native of Bloomington, Minnesota, Gilbert was selected in the fourth round, 129th overall by the Colorado Avalanche at the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to joining the Panthers, Gilbert suited up for the Oilers and Minnesota Wild.