Following a quiet summer in which they made no roster additions, the Montreal Canadiens secured newly waived attacker Chris Kreider on a single-season agreement valued at $2.15 million, which could reach $3 million via incentive clauses. Despite being 35, the veteran winger recorded 50 points, featuring 22 goals, across 75 appearances during the previous campaign.
With this acquisition, the Canadiens acquire crucial elements they have lacked: physical presence, pace, and determination. Even though some segments of the fan base might react negatively given the lingering memories of the 2014 postseason when his collision sidelined goalie Carey Price, Kreider represents a scaled-down variation of the trade targets Montreal pursued. He serves as an excellent alternative option, especially since Kent Hughes could not acquire Matthew Knies or Kirill Marchenko. Previously, THN suggested him as a potential option for the Canadiens once Anaheim finalized an $18 million contract with Leo Carlsson.
The veteran forward was apparently keen on returning to the Eastern Conference following a short tenure with the Anaheim Ducks, targeting a franchise capable of competing for the championship. Montreal’s impressive push to the Eastern Conference Final likely persuaded him of the team’s upward trajectory. Additionally, he shares a history with Martin St-Louis, and Jeff Gorton was managing the New York Rangers when they drafted him, serving as his general manager for a period.
For Montreal, finalizing a one-year agreement represents an excellent strategy; it offers short-term reinforcement for their top offensive lines without obstructing the path for emerging talent. By the time Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky transition to their rookie campaigns next year, his salary cap hit will clear, provided he does not agree to a contract extension.
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