Broncos Rockets Lernout Heffley
Brett Lernout battles Colton Heffley (photo by Darwin Knelsen)

Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin, announced on Friday the signing of 2014 third round pick Brett Lernout to a three-year, entry level contract (2015-16 to 2017-18).

Lernout is leading the defenseman of his team with eight goals and 18 points in 34 games this season with WHL’s Swift Current Broncos. The 6’4’’ and 203 lbs defenseman was assessed 36 penalty minutes and ranks sixth on the Broncos with six powerplay goals.

A native of Winnipeg, Lernout has collected 43 points (17 goals and 26 assists) in 173 career games in junior since his WHL debut in 2011-12 with the Saskatoon Blades. He totals 187 penalty minutes.

The 19-year old defenseman was selected in the third round, 73th overall by the Canadiens at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He participated in his first development camp with the Canadiens in last July.