NHL News: Chris Kreider Signs with the Montreal Canadiens

Kreider will earn a $2.15 million AAV, and with bonuses on a 35-year-old contract, he could earn an additional $3 million, for a total AAV of $5.15 million.

As everyone recalls, the Anaheim Ducks terminated Chris Kreider’s contract last Wednesday, September 9th, and he cleared waivers on September 10th. He walked away from $4 million in salary after getting his $1 million signing bonus as the Anaheim Ducks cleared $6.5 million in cap space.

As NHLRumors.com documented, Kreider wanted to come East. Many teams were interested in Kreider’s services, including the Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Montreal Canadiens.

Many wondered whether Kreider was willing to play in Canada, since the Canadiens made the most sense given his size and skating ability. The Canadiens were missing a big, physical presence on their second line, and he could even slot down in the lineup. Last season with the Ducks, Kreider recorded 50 points (22 goals and 28 assists), including eight power-play goals. In addition, Kreider had seven points in 12 playoff games for the Ducks.

Not to mention, Kreider is a perfect power-play guy with his net-front presence. He can help anyone on the roster get better.

So it made sense that the Canadiens were interested. However, the big selling point was his relationship with Executive Vice President Jeff Gorton and head coach Martin St. Louis . Both were members of the New York Rangers organization when Kreider was there. Gorton was in management, and St. Louis was his teammate.

While Kreider and the Canadiens have history, given what happened during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, this is a perfect add. EVP Jeff Gorton was not happy with how his team went out in the playoffs last year. So he hopes Kreider can help his team make another deep run.

With Chris Kreider signed, the focus now turns to Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc and to when the Montreal Canadiens will sign them.