The offers were made to forwards Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Artturi Lehkonen, Michael Pezzetta and Ryan Poehling, defenseman Otto Leskinen, as well as goaltender Michael McNiven.
In 56 games with the Canadiens in 2020-21, Kotkaniemi tallied five goals and 15 assists, and served 12 penalty minutes. The 21-year-old centerman added five goals and three helpers in 19 playoff contests.
Lehkonen scored seven goals and produced 13 points in 47 games with Montreal this past season. The Piikkio, FIN native also added four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in 17 playoff games. His overtime goal in Game 6 of the Semifinals propelled the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final.
Pezzetta played 20 games with the Laval Rocket in the AHL. The left-handed forward amassed two goals and three assists. He also served 30 penalty minutes.
Poehling led all Rocket players with 25 points in 28 games in his second professional season. The 6'2'' and 197 lbs forward set career-highs in goals (11), assists (14) and total points in the AHL.
Leskinen led all Rocket defensemen with 16 assists and 17 points in 33 games with Laval. The 5'11'' and 187 lbs left-handed rearguard also suited up for one NHL game with the Canadiens on April 10 versus Winnipeg. Leskinen recently signed a two-year contract with Jokerit in Finland. By submitting an offer, the Canadiens retain Leskinen's rights should he return to North America.
McNiven played 13 games with Laval and posted a 7-3-3 record, along with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. The Winnipeg, MB native also posted one shutout in his fourth season with the Rocket.
