Josh Gorges Signs Extension

Josh Gorges Signs Big Six-Year Extension With Montreal

Official Montreal Canadiens Press Release MONTREAL -- Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced Sunday the signing of defenseman Josh Gorges to a six-year contract extension (2012-13 to 2017-18). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Gorges, 27, one of the team’s assistant captains since the start of the 2011-12 season, played in the Canadiens’ 39 games this season, collecting 10 points (1 goal – a game-winning tally at Phoenix on November 10 - and 9 assists) and 24 penalty minutes. The defenseman ranks first on the team with a +6 plus/minus differential and leads all NHL players with 101 blocked shots. Gorges has recorded 60 hits while averaging 22:35 seconds of ice time per game. In 307 career games with the Canadiens, Gorges has posted 59 points (9 goals, 50 assists). Three of his goals were tallied on the powerplay. He displays a +16 plus/minus differential and served 150 penalty minutes. Gorges was the 2009-10 recipient of the Jacques Beauchamp-Molson Trophy, awarded annually to the member of the Canadiens who played a predominant role during the regular season, without earning any particular honor. Since his NHL debut back in 2005-06, Gorges has registered 69 points (10 goals, 59 assists) in 403 NHL regular-season games. The 6’1’’, 201 lbs left-shooting defenseman has recorded 207 penalty minutes and maintained a +18 plus/minus differential. Gorges recorded three of his goals on the powerplay. He has accumulated seven assists in 46 career NHL playoff contests. A native of Kelowna, British Columbia, Gorges first signed with the San Jose Sharks as a free agent on September 20, 2002 after four seasons with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets and a silver medal at the 2004 World Junior Championship. He was acquired from San Jose on February 25, 2007 along with a first-round draft pick in 2007 (Max Pacioretty), in return for Craig Rivet and a fifth-round draft pick in 2008.

CONTRACT DETAILS: Length: 6 Years (2012-13)-(2017-18) Cap-Hit: $3,900,000 Pay-Out Details: 2012-13 - 2017-18 $3,900,000 Contract Clause Details: 2012-13  Full No Trade Clause 2013-14 - 2017-18 Limited No Trade Clause

Reaction:

For the past few months the Montreal Canadiens have had many rumors surrounding their club regarding possible personnel changes. One of the most common names brought up is that of Josh Gorges. Usually that means that he is one of the more coveted players the team has, and quite honestly I would want Gorges as well. He plays a terrific defensive game, that is made even more impressive by his great work ethic and willingness to sacrifice his body. His great defensive style of play has made him one of the most dependable players in the Canadiens organization which is shown by his impressive plus/minus at plus-6; the best of anyone on his team. One of the aspects of his game that makes him such a stabilizing force in his own end is his puck-blocking ability. He has been phenomenal in that particular area of his game, and so far this season he leads the entire National Hockey League in Blocked Shots with 101. The Canadiens look to Gorges as an important piece to their defensive corps, and this contract shows how much they truly value his contribution.