Excerpt from 'Habs Hockey Report' of host Amy Johnson commenting on Arber Xhekaj's return to the NHL.

On Sunday, the Montreal Canadiens announced that they have agreed on a two-year two-way contract with Brandon Gignac. The financial terms have not been confirmed but TVA Sports reports that the deal will pay him $775,000 in the NHL both years and $150,000 in the AHL this year and $350,000 next year. This season's figures will be prorated for the balance of the season and Gignac is guaranteed a minimum of $400,000 in 2024-25.

"It's a good feeling for me. I worked hard and it's a long time that I've been looking for a NHL contract. I'm very happy and I'm very grateful," expressed Gignac on Sunday following his first practice as a Montreal Canadien.

"My head was spinning. I didn't want to overthink it but it's hard. It's what we're dreaming of since we're little kids. It was hard to sleep last night," he added talking about his drive to the CN Sports Complex.

The 26-year-old's agent called him after Saturday's game at Place Bell to let him know that he wouldn't have an All-Star break and that he would be joining the Canadiens the following day.

Gignac was drafted 80th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2016 and dressed for one NHL game in 2018-19. Since then, he had stints in the AHL and ECHL affiliates before signing a contract with the Laval Rocket prior to the start of the 2021-22 season.

At the conclusion of his first season with the Rocket, he became the team's first player to sign a two-year AHL contract that expired at the end of the current season.

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"It was difficult mentally when I went to the ECHL, but I didn't get discouraged and I always believed in myself and I'm really happy today," answered the forward when asked if there was a point that he gave up on his dream.

The opportunity opened up for the Repentigny, QC native with Sean Monahan being traded to the Winnipeg Jets on Friday.

"I liked his training camp this year and last year. He doesn't give up and he tries to make his way. What is happening to him now is earned and it's a good opportunity for him," said Martin St. Louis. "His compete and his speed are at NHL level."

Career Season in Laval

Gignac has been the Rocket's most consistent forward this season, delivering 42 points in 43 games. He set career high marks in goals, assists and points and would have shattered them with 29 games remaining in Laval's regular season. Over the weekend, he obtained four points in two tilts against the Rochester Americans.

Jean-Francois Houle used the veteran on the top-six, power play and penalty kill units and was the go-to player for faceoffs on the left side.

"I used to focus more on my offence before, but I understood that if I wanted one day to get a chance to play in the NHL, it's by refining my defensive play and in Laval it was going well this year," he said, explaining his success.

The Canadiens newest addition was a well liked teammate and veteran in Laval's dressing room.

"Tremendous player. Very very very fast. Creates a lot off the rush. Great guy, great person more importantly. He's a great player and I'm happy he's around for two more years," said Lucas Condotta speaking about Gignac.

“An unbelievable teammate. Always happy, always jokes around. He lights up the mood in the locker room every single day. His speed is something that is so special about him that it’s kind of a cheat code in this league. He can do it all. He can shoot and with that speed he can control himself,” said Jakub Dobes praising his teammate on Friday.

If the organization wants to send him back to the AHL before the conclusion of the season, he would need to clear waivers first. With a contract that runs for next season that reportedly guarantees Gignac $400,000, it will likely discourage other clubs to place a claim.

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Canadiens Newly-Signed Forward Brandon Gignac Realizes Childhood Dream