Nicolas Deslauriers’ signing with Canadiens a feel-good story

Watch as Nicolas Deslauriers scores to give the Canadiens the lead but can’t stick the landing during his celebration.

PHILADELPHIA — On the surface, the signing of a fourth-line winger to a multi-year contract extension would hardly move the needle in any hockey market.

But a homegrown, heart-and-soul, give-it-all-you’ve-got type like Nicolas Deslauriers securing $1.9 million for himself over the next two seasons with the Montreal Canadiens was a feel-good piece of news in Philadelphia on Monday.

The reverberations of it were still being felt on Tuesday morning, as the Canadiens prepared for their game against the Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.

“It’s good for him. He’s earned it. I think he deserves it,” said Canadiens coach Claude Julien. “We like him and he’s done a good job for us. We think he’s a perfect fourth-line player that every team needs, and that’s not to say he can’t go up on the third. It doesn’t mean he can’t move around but you know when everything is in place, he brings a lot to that line; some of his physicality, some of his scoring, the forecheck and the energy. I think he’s adapted well and done a great job since he’s come to us.”

Considering the 26-year-old was acquired in a trade from the Buffalo Sabres in early-October to help Montreal’s AHL club in Laval, there’s no denying that what he’s done with the Canadiens has been nothing short of impressive.

In 36 games with the team, Deslauriers has recorded a career-high seven goals and accumulated 10 points. He’s moonlighted on a scoring line with Jonathan Drouin and Alex Galchenyuk, brought energy to the bottom part of the lineup and thrown 160 hits — and a few hooks, jabs and uppercuts, too, while sticking up for his teammates.

You could see the pride in the Lasalle, Que., native’s game from the second he pulled on a Canadiens sweater, and he acknowledges that playing for the team he grew up cheering for has stimulated the best hockey of his five-year NHL career.

“I think it’s just the atmosphere of being at home just gives me an edge,” Deslauriers said on Tuesday. “I think I’m having success here partly because this is where I’m from. This is home. And I think the organization is giving me an opportunity to show what I can do and how much I care.

“They’re giving me a lot.”

He’s a player who knows he can’t take things for granted.

A slight dip in play was at least partially responsible for Julien’s decision to scratch Deslauriers from Montreal’s last two games.

The rest of it boiled down to business.

“You’re close to the trade deadline and the team’s not going well, you try different things out and try to get evaluations on different players,” said Deslauriers of Julien’s decision. “They’re situations I’ve already been through. Does it suck? Yeah. I wanted to play those two games. I want to play all of them, but it’s not up to me.”

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The good news for Deslauriers is that he’s drawing back into the Canadiens’ lineup in Philadelphia — and he’ll likely be a fixture on the team’s fourth line through the entirety of his new deal.

“It’s what we wanted. My family and I wanted to stay in Montreal, so we’re happy that the deal is done,” Deslauriers said. “Everyone wants more money, but I was looking for security. I have a family and kids, and I love Montreal. It’s the place where I wanted to play, and I haven’t been shy about saying so.

“I love this place, and we’re happy to be staying.”

If the Canadiens weren’t happy about keeping Deslauriers, they might have at least made some effort to explore his value on the trade market.

We were informed by multiple sources that never happened. Instead the Canadiens got him locked up for less than $1 million per season. They should feel good about it, and so should their fans.

There’s no question Deslauriers is elated.

“It’s special to play here, especially as a Quebecer,” he said. “I’ve given it my all so far and have even more to give moving forward. I’m happy to have another two years to show that I love this city. We have the best fans, and it’s an organization that deserves success.”

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