The Montreal Canadiens announced late Monday evening that budding superstar and power forward Max Pacioretty had signed a six-year, $27 million extension contract with Les Habitants. Pacioretty was the team’s leading point producer last season (65 points which included 33 goals) and on Monday was paid accordingly by his employer.

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Whitby - August 14, 2012 - Tickle me pink! The Montreal Canadiens announced late Monday evening that budding superstar and power forward Max Pacioretty had signed a six-year, $27 million extension contract with Les Habitants.

Pacioretty was the team’s leading point producer last season (65 points which included 33 goals) and on Monday was paid accordingly by his employer. The extension was deemed to be cap-friendly for the Canadiens as Pacioretty still has one-year remaining on his existing contract.

On Monday evening, Pacioretty tweeted (@MaxPacioretty67), “Thanks for the support everyone! So happy to be a part of this organization long - term.” The 23-year old was true to his words he spoke in an interview last season with TSN 990?s Montreal sports radio host, Tony Marinaro, in that he would be willing to sign a long-term deal with Montreal “in a heartbeat”.

These are the kinds of contract signings any Habs fan loves to see. No (or very little) jockeying back and forth, very little media attention and two sides coming out on top. Carey Price and Max Pacioretty are two solid pieces to build a franchise foundation on.

Pacioretty was a force to be reckoned with last season as he returned to play a full season with the Canadiens after he suffered a concussion and fractured vertebrae resulting from a Zdeno Chara hit one season prior. He was recognized for his perseverance and hard work last season by winning the Bill Masterton Trophy in June.

Max Pacioretty was originally selected 22nd overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens.

Question now remains, can Canadiens’ General Manager Marc Bergevin get restricted free agent, P.K. Subban signed before the General Manager Paul Holmgren and the Philadelphia Flyers propose a Shea Weber-like offer sheet to P.K.?