MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Friday a four-year contract extension for forward David Desharnais (2013-14 to 2016-17). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“David Desharnais is a talented young player and his contribution is essential to the success of our team. David has shown perseverance and determination which enabled him to reach the NHL and succeed. He has earned this contract extension and the Canadiens organization is pleased to have secured his services for many years to come,” said Bergevin.

The 26-year old center has played in each of the Canadiens 27 games since the start of the 2012-13 season. In his fourth NHL season, he has recorded 16 points (8 goals and 8 assists), including one power play goal and two game-winning goals. He also served 18 penalty minutes and averaged 16:41 of ice time per game.

Since making his NHL debut, the 5-foot-7, 177-pound forward recorded 99 points (32 goals, 67 assists) in 157 regular season games. Desharnais has a career plus-4 differential, eight power play goals and four game winners. He enjoyed his most productive NHL season in 2011-12, finishing third among the Canadiens top point getters with 60 (16 goals and 44 helpers). He also earned one assist in five playoff games in 2010-11.

A native of Laurier-Station, Quebec, Desharnais first joined the Canadiens organization as a free agent on November 5, 2008.

SEE ALSO:

Train Like a Pro: David Desharnais

Ask-a-Hab: David Desharnais

The year of Desharnais

Davey's Got Moves

Contractual status of Habs players