SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced Tuesday that the team has claimed defenseman Jay Leach on waivers from the Montreal Canadiens.

“Jay adds depth to our organization’s defensive core and we are pleased that we were able to acquire him,” said Wilson.

Leach has played in seven games with Montreal this season, posting five penalty minutes and an even rating. He was claimed by Montreal off waivers from New Jersey on Nov. 6. Leach also played 12 games with Lowell (AHL), posting three points (three assists) and 10 penalty minutes.

Leach played in 24 games with New Jersey in 2008-09, notching one assist and 21 penalty minutes, along with an even rating.

In 35 career NHL games with Montreal, New Jersey, Tampa Bay and Boston, Leach has one assist and 33 penalty minutes.

In 352 career AHL games, he has posted 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists) and 480 penalty minutes.

The six-foot-four, 220-pound native of Syracuse, NY native was originally selected by Phoenix in the fifth round (115th overall) of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.