The Montreal Canadiens have signed free agents Louis Belpedio and Jean-Sebastien Dea to one-year, two-way contracts. Both deals expire at the end of the 2021-22 season. Belpedio’s signing was first reported by Bob McKenzie of TSN.
MTL signing Group VI free agent defenceman Louie Belpedio to a one-year, two-way contract. $750K/225K with a guarantee of $300K.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 28, 2021
Louis Belpedio, J-S Dea Sign with Habs
Belpedio has yet to score in his short NHL career. He played one game on defence for the Minnesota Wild last season. He’s got a total of four NHL games under his belt in three NHL seasons.
He’s got a total of two assists in his NHL career. Belpedio was drafted in the third round, 80th overall of the 2014 NHL Draft by the Wild. He spent most of the last season with the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. The Skokie, Ill. native collected five goals and 13 assists in 56 games for Iowa.
Dea also has yet to record a point in his 33-NHL game career. He played one game last season with the Buffalo Sabres. The Laval, Quebec native has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils and the Sabres.
The 27-year-old spent most of his time last season with the Rochester Americans in the AHL. He collected 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points in 57 games for the Amerks.
What This Means for the Future
Both of these players will likely play for the Laval Rocket in the AHL. Dea will probably at least a middle-six forward for his hometown team. He could be a call up if injuries do hit the parent club.
Belpedio is still 25 and can contribute on the back end for the Rocket. He may get a chance on the Canadiens if injuries do happen to Montreal. Both are solid depth pieces that have experience in the minors.
Montreal has made a few moves and still has some salary cap space that can enable them to make some further moves.
