Overview
- The Montreal Canadiens announced on Saturday that they signed veteran winger Chris Kreider to a one-year contract after he cleared unconditional waivers and became an unrestricted free agent.
- Reports say the deal carries a $2.15 million base cap hit with performance bonuses that could raise its value, and some outlets reported a no-movement protection as part of the pact.
- Anaheim placed Kreider on waivers and then mutually terminated his $6.5 million contract to create roughly $6.5 million in salary-cap room, a move the Ducks’ GM Pat Verbeek said was intended to help re-sign restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier.
- Kreider comes off a 2025–26 season in which he had 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) in 75 games and is expected to provide middle-six scoring, net-front power-play presence, and playoff experience for a young Canadiens roster.
- The signing has drawn mixed reactions in Montreal because Kreider’s 2014 collision that injured Carey Price left long-standing fan resentment, though Canadiens officials say Kreider sought out the club because of familiarity with president Jeff Gorton and coach Martin St. Louis.