The Montreal Canadiens have finally added to their roster, signing free agent Chris Kreider to a one-year deal.
The Montreal Canadiens, after failing to add to their roster this summer, signed recently released forward Chris Kreider to a one-year deal worth $2.15 M, with the option to increase to $3 M through bonuses. Although he’s 35 years old, Kreider was able to put up 50 points in 75 games, including 22 goals, last season.
Kreider will bring the Canadiens something they desperately need: size, speed, and grit. While the signing may not go down very well with a part of the fan base due to the events of the 2014 playoffs, when he ended Carey Price’s season, Kreider is a lighter version of what the Canadiens had been looking for on the trade market and a very good Plan B, given that Kent Hughes hasn’t been able to pry Matthew Knies or Kirill Marchenko away from their respective teams. THN’s had mentioned his name as a possible fit for the Habs after the Ducks had signed Leo Carlsson to a $18 million deal.
The forward reportedly wanted to return to the East after his brief stint with the Anaheim Ducks and was looking to join a team with a chance to win the big prize. The Canadiens’ run to the Eastern Conference Final must have convinced him that something special is happening in Montreal. He also played with Martin St-Louis, and Jeff Gorton was with the New York Rangers when he was drafted and was his GM for some time.
As for the Canadiens, signing him to a one-year deal is a great move; it gives them temporary help in the top six, and it won’t block the progression of their young players. Next season, when Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky are likely to play their rookie season, Kreider will no longer be on the books unless, of course, he signs an extension.
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