BROSSARD - The Canadiens announced on Wednesday morning that they had assigned defenseman Brett Lernout to the AHL's Laval Rocket.

Recalled on December 20, the 22-year-old rookie suited up for three games with the Habs. He did not register any points, and recorded a minus-1 differential.

Lernout was a healthy scratch for the Canadiens' last two games.

The Rocket welcome the Toronto Marlies on Wednesday night, and Lernout could be in uniform.