TORONTO -- The Montreal Canadiens bolstered their offense by acquiring forward Mariusz Czerkawski from the New York Islanders on Saturday.

	Czerkawski

New York received center Arron Asham and Montreal's fifth-round pick (149th overall) in a deal announced at the NHL draft.

Czerkawski, who has two years left on his contract, finished fifth among the Islanders in scoring last season, with 22 goals and 51 points. His best season came two years ago when he set career highs with 35 goals and 70 points.

Czerkawski, who played five seasons with the Islanders, broke into the NHL with Boston in the 1993-94 season, and also played with Edmonton.

Asham, who has yet to play a full NHL season during his three-year pro career, played 35 games for the Canadiens last season, finishing with four goals, eight points and 55 penalty minutes.

Just before the announcement of this deal, the Canadiens acquired the No. 14 pick in the draft from Edmonton for the No. 15 pick and Montreal's eighth-round selection.

The Canadiens selected Yale center Chris Higgins with the 14th pick.