Montreal Canadiens add 35‑year‑old Chris Kreider on one‑year contract
Veteran forward Chris Kreider signs a one‑year deal with the Canadiens after ending his brief stint with the Anaheim Ducks.
Montreal announced on Saturday that 35‑year‑old forward Chris Kreider has agreed to a one‑year contract for the 2024‑25 season. The deal marks Kreider’s first appearance in the Eastern Conference since leaving the New York Rangers, where he spent the bulk of his career.
According to ESPN, the agreement came after Kreider and the Anaheim Ducks mutually terminated his previous contract earlier in the week. The termination cleared the way for the Canadiens to bring the veteran onto their roster without a trade or waiver complication.
Kreider arrives in Montreal with a résumé that includes 348 career goals and 632 points over 1,200‑plus NHL games. He spent 13 seasons with the Rangers, becoming known for his physical play, net‑front presence and clutch scoring in the playoffs. His production dipped in recent years, but he remains a reliable two‑way forward who can mentor younger players.
The Canadiens have been reshaping their roster ahead of a competitive season in the Atlantic Division. With several key forwards dealing with injuries and the team seeking more depth in the middle six, adding a seasoned scorer like Kreider offers both on‑ice experience and a veteran locker‑room voice. Montreal’s salary‑cap situation allows for a modest one‑year contract, a common strategy for clubs looking to blend youth with proven talent.
If Kreider can stay healthy, he is expected to slot into a third‑line role, providing penalty‑killing grit and occasional offensive bursts. His familiarity with high‑pressure games could prove valuable as the Canadiens aim to improve on last year’s playoff miss. The short‑term deal also gives both player and club flexibility to reassess options after the season concludes.
This report is based on original reporting by ESPN. Read the original source →