Habs sign goalie Desjardins, forward Russell to two-way contracts

MONTREAL - Goaltender Cedrick Desjardins and forward Ryan Russell have signed two-way contracts with the Montreal Canadiens for the 2010-2011 season.

Both played last season for the Canadiens' AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Desjardins, 24, led AHL goaltenders with a 2.00 goals-against average in 47 games and was named to the league's second all-star team. The Edmunston, N.B., native set a franchise record for wins in one season with 29.

Russell, 23, had 19 goals and 18 assists in 74 games and led the team with three short-handed goals. The five-foot-10 centre from Caroline, Alta., was acquired from the New York Rangers in 2007.