Canadiens sign Nathan Beaulieu to reported 2-year, $2M contract extension

The Montreal Canadiens have made a commitment to one of their young defensemen.

Nathan Beaulieu has signed a contract extension with the club, reported to be two years in length with an average annual value of $1 million, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

The 22-year-old was drafted 17th overall at the 2011 NHL Draft, and has appeared in 87 career games for the Canadiens, with a goal and 12 assists to his credit.

Beaulieu, a speedy, puck-moving presence on the blue line, was to become a restricted free agent at season's end, and should push for regular minutes in the team's top six next season.