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Armed with new deal, Galchenyuk expects to have a ‘great year’

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With a two-year bridge deal worth $5.6 million in his back pocket, Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk is expecting big things from himself next season.

The 21-year-old scored a career-high 20 goals and 46 points in 80 games during the 2014-15 season, but found the back of the net just once in 12 playoff games.

“As long as I’ve played, I’ve never set goals for points,” he said during a conference call on Friday. “You have to prepare yourself to stay healthy and be in the right mindset. I expect to have a great year and I can’t wait to get started.”

Negotiations on a new deal for Galchenyuk were delayed this summer after he fired his agent Igor Larionov. The Hall of Famer suggested Galchenyuk was unhappy with his ice time and the way he was used by coach Michel Therrien.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Galchenyuk said of Larionov’s comments. “I’m happy to be in Montreal for two more years and it’s up to the coaches and trainers to decide where to use me.”

Galchenyuk believes the club’s recent addition, free agent Alex Semin, will be a good fit in the Habs’ lineup.

“I met him right before he signed,” Galchenyuk said. “I was at the (Canadiens) kids’ camp and he was with his agent in the dressing room. When I came off the ice, I heard he had signed. I’m happy for him. He’s a skilled player and I think it will work out well.”

Galchenyuk’s new deal carries an annual average value of $2.8 million. He will be a restricted free agent once again following the 2016-17 season.

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