Wed Jul 16 17:06:02 2008

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Canadiens keeping O'Byrne

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Montreal, QC (Sports Network) - The Montreal Canadiens signed defenseman Ryan O'Byrne to a new three-year contract on Wednesday.

O'Byrne, who will turn 24 on July 19, was drafted with the 79th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft. He posted one goal and six assists in his first NHL season last year, consisting of 33 games.

"Ryan acquired a great deal of NHL experience last season," said general manager Bob Gainey. "He is part of our young core of defenseman and certainly has the potential of becoming a very good NHL player. He is a big, intense and his physical play are important assets for our team."

The Canadiens also announced the signing of newly acquired defenseman Shawn Belle to a one-year contract. Belle, 23, was obtained from the Minnesota Wild on July 11 in exchange for forward Corey Locke.