Montreal Canadiens’ public enemy number one since he fell onto Carey Price in the 2014 Eastern Conference Final will now try to win over the hearts of Habs fans. Chris Kreider, after a mutual contract termination with the Anaheim Ducks, is signing a one-year, $2.15 million contract with the Canadiens. His contract includes bonuses that could add up to an extra $3 million. Kreider spent over a decade with the New York Rangers before being traded to the Ducks last season. After a down year with the Rangers in 2024-25, Kreider had a bounce-back season with the Ducks, recording 22 goals and 28 assists in 75 games. However, with Leo Carlsson signing a massive extension and Cutter Gauthier still looking for a new contract, the two parties agreed to part ways. Kreider will now bring his talents to Montreal, adding some needed size, physicality, and a new net-front presence.
Canadiens need a player like Kreider
While the Canadiens are obviously talented on offence, they do not quite have someone who fits the Kreider mould. For years, Montreal’s most dependable net-front presence was Brendan Gallagher, but with the long-time Hab being traded to the Vancouver Canucks, the Canadiens needed someone who could score goals in the dirty areas. The Canadiens will also be adding a physical presence to their offensive group, something they desperately lacked last season. Despite being 35, Kreider has remained incredibly consistent, scoring at least 20 goals in his last eight seasons. While he might not be the same player he was in 2021–22 when he scored a career-high 52 goals, he will provide much-needed scoring depth, which should alleviate pressure on the team’s best players to score every night to have a chance at winning games.
Fans may have mixed feelings on the move right now, but one thing is certain. If Kreider can help the Canadiens win games, a lot of the past will be forgotten. It will definitely take some time to get used to seeing Kreider in a Canadiens jersey, but Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes found a weakness in Montreal’s offensive lineup and believe he could help them win now. This was not a panic move by any stretch. Kreider had options, but his familiarity with Martin St. Louis and Gorton was the deciding factor. The addition of Kreider makes the Canadiens a more balanced team on offence, and while the centre questions still surround the team, their next glaring weakness was a big winger, and the team addressed that with a former three-time 30-goal scorer.
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