Montreal, QC -- (Sports Network) - The Montreal Canadiens signed forward Georges Laraque to a three-year contract on Thursday.

Financial terms of the deal for the 31-year-old were not disclosed.

Laraque played in 71 games last season with Pittsburgh where he tallied four goals and nine assists. The notorious brawler also collected 141 penalty minutes which led the team.

"A 10-year veteran, Georges is the kind of player who made his mark in the NHL," said Canadiens GM Bob Gainey. "With his physical play and determination, we are convinced that he will add valuable energy to our group of players."

After being selected with the 31st selection in the 1995 NHL Draft, Laraque has also played with Edmonton and Phoenix.