EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsChris Kreider signed with the Montreal Canadiens for one year, the team announced on Saturday.According to sources, the contract carries aa $2.15 million average-annual value, but it also includes a bonus structure that could pay him upwards of $5 million next season should he hit each of his conditions.Kreider was a former New York Rangers teammate of Martin St Louis, who is now the Canadiens coach.The 35-year-old Kreider was placed on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks for purpose of contract termination last week. In a statement, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek thanked Kreider for his professionalism throughout the process."Our rationale here is straightforward: We needed to create salary cap flexibility, and this accomplishes that," Verbeek said.The Ducks were forced to match an offer sheet for Leo Carlsson earlier this offseason paying him $18 million per season -- now the third-highest salary in the NHL. Another ascending forward, Cutter Gauthier, is also due for a new contract. Gauthier led the Ducks last season in goals and points. Anaheim reached the playoffs for the first time since 2018 and upset the Edmonton Oilers in the first round.Kreider is a veteran of 958 games in the NHL, mostly with the Rangers. He had one season remaining on the seven-year, $45.5 million contract he had originally signed in New York. That deal carried a $6.5 million AAV.Regarded as one of the best net-front presences in the league, Kreider has scored at least 20 goals in 11 of his 14 seasons. He scored 50 points, including 22 goals, in 75 games last season, then another seven points, with two goals, in 12 playoff games.The Canadiens are looking to take the next step after exiting their rebuild. Montreal made it to the 2026 Eastern Conference Final, before losing to the eventual Stanley Cu-champion Carolina Hurricanes.
