The Montreal Canadiens have signed minor league forward Alex Belzile to a one-year, two-way contract worth $700K at the NHL level.
This will be Belzile’s first NHL contract despite having played seven years of professional hockey. The 27-year old forward went undrafted out of the QMJHL despite an impressive 92-point season in 2011-12, and ended up playing in the ECHL for several seasons. Bouncing around from club to club in the minor leagues, Belzile has suited up for the Gwinnett Gladiators, Hamilton Bulldogs, Alaska Aces, Idaho Steelheads, Fort Wayne Komets, San Antonio Rampage, Colorado Eagles and most recently the Laval Rocket.
It was with the Rocket that Belzile really found a home, scoring 19 goals and 54 points last season and being rewarded with an appearance in the AH: All-Star game. That kind of recognition is a long time coming for the veteran minor league forward, who has had great seasons in the ECHL but was rarely given a long opportunity in the higher levels.
That’s not to say that he will play a role on the Canadiens next season. Almost certainly Belzile will be sent back to the Rocket to begin the season and likely will spend the entirety of the contract in the AHL. Still, he provides some experience and depth for the Canadiens if they desperately need an injury replacement for next season.