“It’s the number they gave me when I arrived in Tampa Bay when I was 18. It always brought me luck,” Hamrlik said.

While he knows he will be counted on on the power play, Hamrlik isn’t expecting to put up Souray-like numbers.

“I will limit myself to playing my game and to give my maximum every game. The impoartant thing remains winning games. But I do plan on shooting more to collect more points,” he said.

While Hamrlik is believed to have helped the progression of Calgary’s Dion Phaneuf, Hamrlik admits Phaneuf helped him too.

“I am a better player after having been partnered with Dion Phaneuf these last few seasons,” Hamrlik said.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound defenceman said he will have no problem adapting to a new partner.

“I’ll only need two or three games to feel comfortable,” he said. “I have no problem playing with younger players.”

According to Habs GM Bob Gainey, Hamrlik will bring some intangibles to the dressing room.

“He will add experience and leadership,” Gainey said. “I also think he’s very happy to be in Montreal.”