Build for the future...and your success will be forever.

I guess that's probably what Bob Gainey heard somewhere down the line.

After inking young defensive prospect Yannick Weber to a three-year deal, Gainey has all but cemented a bright future for the Montreal Canadiens' back-end.  Theirs is a future that includes a good deal of young and bright Minnesotan defensemen.

David Fischer and Ryan McDonagh are two of the brightest spots on the Canadiens' defensive horizon.  Playing with their respective NCAA clubs, they have taken their time to develop in the college system.

With both size and strength (Fischer—6'3", 190 lbs.; McDonaugh—6'1", 203 lbs.) they are going to be a welcome addition to the Montreal blueline in a few years.

Fischer has shown massive improvements in both his defensive and offensive games in his two seasons so far with the U of Minnesota Golden Gophers.  His 14 points (2 G, 12 A) in 45 games along with only 18 PIMs shows his well-disciplined type of play.

In his freshman year at U of Wisconsin, McDonagh netted five goals and added seven assists in 40 games along with 42 PIMs.  His fiery brand of defense is likened to that of fellow US defenseman Mike Komisarek.  A few years and he'll be calling the Bell Centre home.

At 6'0", 206 lbs. Mathieu Carle has taken a long time to get to where he is today.  With constant, nagging injuries plaguing many of his recent seasons in both the QMJHL and the AHL, Carle is looking to become an impact defenseman on the Canadiens' blueline.