Gélinas was invited to Canadiens training camp on a professional tryout, and recorded one goal and four penalty minutes in three preseason games.
The 26-year-old defenseman spent last season with the AHL's San Antonio Rampage, recording 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) in 27 games. He also served 14 penalty minutes.
Since first making his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils in 2012-13, Gélinas played 189 regular season games, registering 55 career points (14 goals, 41 assists) over stints with the Devils and Colorado Avalanche.
In four AHL seasons with Albany and San Antonio, meanwhile, Gélinas has picked up 76 points (26 goals, 50 assists) in 172 games.
Gélinas played his Junior hockey with the QMJHL's Lewiston MAINEiacs, Chicoutimi Saguenéens and Saint John Sea Dogs between 2007-11. He finished his five-year Junior career with 133 points (31 goals, 102 assists) in 244 games.
A native of Vanier, Ontario, Gélinas was selected in the second round, 54th overall by the Devils at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.