Marc Bergevin took a chance on Torrey Mitchell and Paul Byron and both the players have turned out to be a big part of the reason the Habs are doing so well this season.

Torrey Mitchell seemed to be in a valley in his career, languishing in Buffalo. Not much was going right, but then a trade to Montreal – with his home nearby in Greenfield Park – changed everything.

“It was exciting for me because I am from here, so I was really excited about that. On the flip side, you want to show that you are capable of fulling that commitment. I am only halfway there but I think I have done a good job so far,” he said.

Mitchell turned it around so significantly that he earned a three-year contract, a deal the media was somewhat leery of.

It was a big commitment for a 30-year-old, but Mitchell has delivered.

“I don't know what the trick is, but I haven't changed too much every off season. I’ve just been gradually figuring out my body and working hard to prepare for the season,” he said.

Bergevin found that surprising three-year commitment was going so well that he gave another player three years, again turning heads. 

Paul Byron was a player no one wanted, and suddenly the Habs gave him a three-year deal and it was the right call.

“Management, sometimes they are in the positions because they see things that players – that not everyone, sees. Torrey and I bring a lot of qualities that are not quantified in the stats sheets. We are good leaders, character guys. We helped the team push the pace. So far, we have a lot of success in Montreal. Management gave us a great opportunity here and we are really thankful for it,” he said.

Byron is just shy of a career high of 11 goals, currently at 10 with a lot of season left. He's also going to get a powerplay look.

“It's great recognition and a great opportunity to play the powerplay,” he said. “I’m just trying to use my skillset and use my speed to help out and certainly on breakouts I think I can bring something to help the team. I just continue to work hard,” he said.

Mitchell was acquired for a seventh-round draft pick and Jack Nevins.

Paul Byron was picked up off the waiver wire.

The Montreal Canadiens face the San Jose Sharks at the Bell Centre Friday night. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.