Chris Kreider has signed a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens, the team announced. The deal is worth $2.15 million in base salary, with potential incentives bringing the total value up to $3.25 million.
The move brings Kreider back to the Eastern Conference, where he spent his entire 13-year NHL career with the New York Rangers. His decision to join Montreal reunites him with former Rangers teammate Martin St. Louis, who is now the Canadiens' head coach, and president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton, a former Rangers general manager.
Earlier in the week, Kreider was waived by the Anaheim Ducks, where he had played after a trade. While with the Ducks, he recorded 50 points, including 22 goals and 28 assists, contributing to the team's unexpected postseason berth. Kreider expressed gratitude for his time in Anaheim, noting that the experience had been positive on all fronts and that playing in the NHL is a tremendous honor regardless of the team.
During his tenure with the Rangers, Kreider was known for his power-play goals and playoff performance. He was tied for the most power-play goals in Rangers history with 116 before his former linemate Mika Zibanejad surpassed that mark. Kreider still holds the franchise record for most playoff goals.
Kreider and St. Louis were teammates during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. The Rangers reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 and the Eastern Conference Final the following year during that period. Kreider will now play for a Canadiens team that reached the conference finals last season.