Canadiens sign 27-year-old defenseman as Kent Hughes adds right-side depth
Montreal Hockey Fanatics has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Photo credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The Montreal Canadiens are adding a defenseman to their player pool.
American defenseman Reilly Walsh reached an agreement with the organization on Monday.
The 27-year-old blueliner arrives directly from the KHL, where he will now try to revive his career in North America.
It was agent Jeremy Garrett who confirmed the news.
It is reportedly a one-year, two-way contract.
“I can confirm this now. Reilly Walsh will sign with the Canadiens.
Not certain on terms yet, but look for a one-year, two-way deal.”
Walsh is coming off another strong offensive season.
He recorded 46 points, including 16 goals, in 68 KHL games during the 2026-27 season.
Right-side depth for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens organization
His North American track record is already quite interesting.
Reilly Walsh played 304 games in the American Hockey League before heading to the KHL.
A third-round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2017, he even made it to the NHL.
He appeared in one game with the New Jersey Devils during the 2021-22 season, recording one point, before being traded to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Shane Bowers on June 26, 2023.
This signing fills a specific organizational need.
The Canadiens are adding depth on the right side of their blue line.
Veteran Nathan Clurman has just left the organization to play in Sweden. Does this explain why?It’s also worth mentioning that young defenseman Bryce Pickford will have to wait before making his debut with the Laval Rocket after suffering a shoulder injury that required surgery last week.
That leaves a hole to fill on defense.
A defenseman who produces 46 points in the KHL is no small accomplishment, and this appears to be an intriguing gamble by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics