David Desharnais

David Desharnais (born September 14, 1986) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the HC Fribourg-Gottéron of the NLA. Desharnais was never drafted into the NHL, but signed as a free-agent with Montreal in 2008.

Playing Career
Desharnais spent his major junior career with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He became a prolific scorer over the course of his four seasons with the team, increasing his goal totals each year, scoring 38 in 61 games during his last season there. Serving as team captain, he totalled 374 points in 262 games. He won the Frank J. Selke Memorial Trophy as the QMJHL's most gentlemanly player three times consecutively from 2004-05 to 2006-07 when he was also named the most gentlemanly player of the Canadian Hockey League. Despite his junior success Desharnais was passed over in the NHL Entry Draft, due in part to his small size.

The Montreal Canadiens saw enough potential in Desharnais to invite him to their training camp in the fall of 2007. Although he did not make the team, he earned an assignment to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). He had a phenomenal professional debut in Cincinnati, putting up 106 points in only 68 regular season games to lead the league in scoring before adding 33 points in 22 playoff games to lead the Cyclones to their first Kelly Cup championship. Desharnais was named ECHL Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player and was named to both the All-Rookie Team and the First All-Star Team.

Following that successful season Desharnais was again invited to the Canadiens' training camp in 2008, after which Montreal signed him to a two year, two-way contract. He was assigned to the Canadiens' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, where he spent the next two seasons. After a successful debut with the Bulldogs in 2008-09, Desharnais led the team in scoring in 2009-10 with 78 points in only 60 games; he added 23 points in 19 playoff games. That season, Desharnais also made his debut with the Canadiens, dressing for 6 NHL games and recording 1 assist.

In the midst of another stellar season in Hamilton after signing a one-year contract extension, Desharnais was recalled by the Canadiens on December 31, 2010. He scored his first NHL goal on January 12, 2011, deflecting a P.K. Subban point-shot past Marc-Andre Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Desharnais went on to play 43 games with the Canadiens, posting 8 goals and 22 points as well as 1 point in 5 playoff games.

On June 20, 2011, Desharnais signed a two-year contract extension with the Canadiens.