Canadiens sign David Desharnais to four-year extension

The Montreal Canadiens have signed David Desharnais to a four-year extension, according to the team.

The new deal is worth an average of $3.5 million per year, according to RDS’ Renaud Lavoie — a dramatic increase over Desharnais’ previous $950,000 annual salary.

Desharnais, 26, was scheduled to be a restricted free agent following the 2012-13 season.

He scored 16 goals and totaled 60 points in 81 games in 2011-12 and has eight goal and 16 points in 27 games this season.

Canadiens sign forward David Desharnais to a four-year contract extension.—
Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 15, 2013

David Desharnais contract is 4 year / 3.5 million avg. #canadiens #RDS—
Renaud Lavoie (@RenLavoieRDS) March 15, 2013