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Montreal Canadiens Five Best Free Agent Signings In Habs History

By Ken MacMillan

Apr 18, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brian Gionta. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brian Gionta. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 20, 2011; Calgary, AB, Canada; Montreal Canadiens left wing Michael Cammalleri Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2011; Calgary, AB, Canada; Montreal Canadiens left wing Michael Cammalleri Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Cammalleri

The Canadiens were big spenders on July 1, 2009 after letting franchise cornerstones like Saku Koivu, Alex Kovalev as well as Alex Tanguay and Robert Lang all walk as free agents following the flop of a Centennial season.

Cammalleri came in with big shoes to fill offensively and was terrific in year one. After signing a five year contact with a $6 million cap hit, he scored 26 goals and 50 points in 65 games, which put him on pace for 33 over a full season.

He was far better in the playoffs, scoring 13 goals and 19 points in 19 games, leading the team offensively on a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Final. The Canadiens were not expected to win a round that year but took out the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins with Cammalleri providing most of their offence.

Cammalleri was good again in year two, scoring 19 goals and 47 points in 67 games. He once again excelled in the postseason, scoring three goals and ten points in just seven games as the Habs were eliminated in overtime of Game 7 against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins.

He scored 22 points in 38 games the following season but was then traded to the Calgary Flames for Rene Bourque, Patrick Holland and a second round pick.

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