Canadiens sign Pacioretty to Contract Extension.

Pacioretty inks long-term contract extension with Habs.

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed winger Max Pacioretty to a six-year contract extension worth an average annual cap hit of $4.5 million. The new deal begins in 2013-14.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pacioretty, winner of the 2012 Masterton Trophy, was among the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for Les Canadiens in 2011-12, with a breakout performance of 33 goals and 65 points.

The 23-year-old “Max Patch” has one season remaining on his current contract, which pays him $1.65 million. The Habs obviously feel he’s a valuable part of their future and wasted little time getting him re-signed, especially as his value may increase if he has a similar or better performance in 2012-13, whenever that might start. If he continues to play as well as he did last season, he’ll be worth every penny for the Habs.