The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Victor Mete to a one-year contract worth $735,000.
“Prove Yourself” Deal for Mete
The deal will give Mete, 22, another year to prove himself as a player the Canadiens want to hold onto long-term.
The 5-foot-9, 183-pound left-handed defenceman has suited up for 171 games for the Canadiens since he was selected 100th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, recording four goals and 27 assists for 31 points.
This past season, he registered four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 51 games, while averaging 16:00 of ice time. He appeared in all 10 of the Canadiens’ playoff contests this summer, tallying two assists.
The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn notes that Mete has played very well in a sheltered role. He’s proven to be a good even-strength play driver in his young career.
If Mete can take another step forward in 2020-21, he will be in better position to cash in on a longer deal.
This is a more modest move for Habs GM Marc Bergevin, who made a big splash a few days ago by acquiring Josh Anderson from the Columbus Blue Jackets for Max Domi and subsequently inking Anderson to a seven-year contract worth $38.5 million yesterday.