Chris Kreider Joins Montreal Canadiens Amid High Hopes
LAVAL-SUR-LE-LAC, Que. — Exactly one week prior to Chris Kreider’s signing with the Montreal Canadiens, general manager Kent Hughes was on a golf course making calls. He spoke with Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek about the possibility of acquiring Kreider, who faced salary cap constraints with Anaheim.
Hughes humorously recounted, “I hit my best ball while talking to him at the same time. Maybe my only one,” referencing the Sept. 5 conversation. Initially, a trade seemed likely, but the Ducks and Kreider eventually agreed to terminate his contract. Once he cleared waivers—with his agent warning teams against claiming him—the Canadiens seized the opportunity.
On Saturday, just a week later, the Canadiens announced Kreider’s signing to a one-year deal worth $2.15 million, with bonuses potentially elevating the total to $5.4 million. Kreider remarked on the aggressive approach taken by Montreal, contrasting it with discussions he had with other teams.
Montreal’s Allure
The culture and team cohesion Kreider observed during the Canadiens’ playoff run were pivotal in his decision. He noted that the team’s skill and “pack mentality” were highly appealing, marking a significant endorsement for a franchise that has been rebuilding for the past four years.
The importance of Kreider’s signing extends beyond his on-ice capabilities; it illustrates the growing attractiveness of Montreal as a destination for players, underscored by Kreider’s limited engagement with other teams during this process.
A Reunion with St. Louis
Kreider’s relationship with head coach Martin St. Louis also played a role in his decision. Having previously played alongside St. Louis for a year and a half with the New York Rangers, Kreider expressed admiration for St. Louis’ coaching philosophy, which he views as impactful to his development as a player.
The timing of Kreider’s address to fans coinciding with St. Louis’s contract extension signifies an encouraging future for the team. Kreider became the first former teammate St. Louis will coach, a dynamic expected to serve the Canadiens well moving forward.
Guhle Injury Update
Meanwhile, the Canadiens are monitoring defenseman Kaiden Guhle’s recovery from a summer procedure. Though details are scarce, the team is optimistic about his eventual return, albeit potentially missing the beginning of the season.
Future Contracts and Market Dynamics
On the business side, the Canadiens signed Zack Bolduc to a four-year contract, bridging a path to unrestricted free agency—a strategy that Hughes believes may become more common in the evolving NHL landscape.
Acknowledging the Past
Amidst the excitement surrounding Kreider’s arrival, his previous history with the Canadiens was inevitable to address. Kreider was frequently booed by Montreal fans due to a fateful play in the 2014 Eastern Conference Final that injured star goalie Carey Price. Kreider remains aware of the passionate Montreal fanbase and is committed to earning their trust and respect.
Overall, Kreider’s signing and the team’s ongoing development under Gorton and Hughes suggest a promising future for the Montreal Canadiens as they aim for consistent playoff contention.
