Here’s exactly why Chris Kreider chose the Habs

But the reality is that he'll be playing for the Canadiens next year, and that's truly the team he wanted to play for.

His agent, Matt Keator, appeared on the Sick Podcast and revealed all the reasons why his client considered Montreal a top choice. First, Keator talks about American players who don't want to play in Canada. According to him, all players want to win, which makes Montreal an ideal destination for them (even though it's north of the U.S.).

In Kreider's case, this factor didn't bother him. His family is in Boston, which is only a five-hour drive from the city.

So why didn't he sign with Boston, then? Because he wants to win in a healthy environment. That was his number-one criterion.

Chris Kreider's agent Matt Keator breaks down why his client ultimately wanted to play for the #GoHabsGo! #thesickpodcast @MurphysLaw74 pic.twitter.com/pgGeqZqApK

— The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test (@sickpodnhl) September 16, 2026

Keator also revealed that when Pat Verbeek decided to place Kreider on waivers, the forward's camp contacted teams to ask them not to claim him.

And as soon as he became a free agent, several teams reached out to him. We know he reportedly turned down better offers to join the Habs.

He wanted to play in Montreal, and it shows. Montreal has truly become a top destination (and its window of opportunity is open).

In a nutshell

– I missed them.

– Stay tuned.

– Not ideal.

– Well done.