Canadiens sign Weber to two-year deal

In the aftermath of re-signing Andrei Markov and trading away the rights to James Wisniewski, the Montreal Canadiens made more news with their defense Wednesday with the announcement that Yannick Weber has been signed to a two-year contract. Terms were not disclosed.

"Yannick has acquired valuable experience at the NHL level this past season playing a total of 44 regular season and playoff games. He is a young player who has gained confidence and progressed steadily since being selected by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007," said Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier.

Weber, 22, had 11 points in 41 NHL games during the 2010-11 season, including his first career goal on Feb. 9 against the Bruins. He recorded 14 penalty minutes and was even in plus/minus, while averaging 16:33 of ice time per game. Weber has 1 goal and 13 points in 49 NHL games with the Canadiens over parts of three seasons, along with 3 goals and 4 points in six postseason contests.

Before being called up on Nov. 18, Weber had 8 goals and 12 points in 15 games with the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs. Four of his goals were tallied on the power play. He collected 44 shots on goal and served 10 penalty minutes.

Weber is a third-round pick of Montreal in the 2007 Entry Draft and was part of the Swiss Olympic team at the 2010 Vancouver Games. He also represented his country at the 2009 World Championship and the 2008 World Junior Championship.