Forward Erik Cole Signs Four-Year Deal With Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens signed Carolina Hurricanes forward Erik Cole to a four-year, $18 million dollar contract Friday.

Montreal, who lost defenseman James Wisniewski to Columbus already this offseason, gets a gritty forward who has already won a Cup and should add veteran leadership to the locker room.

Cole scored 26 goals and had 26 assists last season with the Hurricanes and has recorded 14 points in 43 playoff games.