Montreal Canadiens’ Free-Agent Moves

May 14, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward

(left) and teammate

(22) face the media during a press conference at the Bell Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

George “Bud” Holloway was born in Saskatchewan, and has recently played in the Swiss National League where he recorded 13 goals and 24 assists.  27 years old, 6′ even, he was a 3rd-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Kings in 2006, but hasn’t yet played at the NHL level.

In Bern, Holloway played for former Hamilton Bulldogs’ coach Guy Boucher, where he finished third in regular season. In eleven post-season games, he scored 4 goals and 4 assists, finishing first on the team.

Here is the assessment of Holloway from Elite Prospects:

"Holloway is a skilled winger with a great shot and playmaking ability. Plays a well-rounded game and can fill in at any forward position. Has good leadership qualities and work ethic. Excellent when manning the power play point, he can also kill penalties."

Holloway received a one-year, two-way contract (no further details were disclosed by the team). He will likely start the season at the AHL level, to be called up if, or when, the need arises.

Mark Barberio made his NHL debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2012-13, playing on the blue line with that team until he reached free agency this week.

Barberio signed a one-year, two-way contract as well, with a reported $600,000 NHL salary and a guaranteed $325,000. A Montreal native, the 25-year-old had been a healthy scratch for much of last season.

He was not extended a qualifying offer by Tampa Bay, which surprised some who followed his career so far. Barberio can add depth to the blue line and is said to have a great deal of potential.

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Barberio can offer defense on the Habs’ farm team, should he clear waivers, and be available to the club as an extra d-man should that be needed. He comes with the reputation of an offensive blue-liner; in fact, in his first full season with the Bolts, he scored 5 goals and had 5 assists in 49 games.

Barberio was a good pick-up for the price, and for the team to acquire at this time of the year.

Joel Hanley, a 24-year-old defenseman, also received a one-year, two-way contract with the Canadiens, his introduction to the pros. He will likely spend the season with the AHL in St. John’s, but adds defensive depth that is well needed now that the Habs have signed Greg Pateryn and Nathan Beaulieu.

We will have an exciting, in-depth look at Hanley in the coming days.

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