Multiple reporters have confirmed that Chris Kreider has agreed to a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens for the 2026-27 season. The agreement was first reported by the Canadiens’ official Twitter account, and later corroborated by Frank Seravalli and Pierre LeBrun.
Kreider, 35, is a left-handed forward who has spent the majority of his career with the New York Rangers and most recently with the Anaheim Ducks. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded 22 goals and 28 assists in 75 games, contributing 50 points and 17 power-play points. His performance places him in the category of a top-six forward, a role that aligns with the Canadiens' need for scoring depth.
Additional reports suggest that the contract includes a base salary of $2.15 million, with potential for additional compensation through performance-based bonuses. Chris Johnston reported that the deal includes $3.25 million in potential bonuses, while Pierre LeBrun noted that the contract could be worth up to $5.4 million if all performance incentives are met. LeBrun also mentioned that Kreider’s decision came down to three teams, with Montreal ultimately winning out due to factors such as comfort with Martin St. Louis and his history with Jeff Gorton.
The Canadiens now have a new top-six forward in their lineup, adding a veteran presence with a proven track record of scoring.
Source posts
Montreal Canadiens on twitter ↗
Relayed via an unofficial mirror account that re-posts
Montreal Canadiens's reporting. Not posted by Montreal Canadiens directly.
Les Canadiens s'entendent sur les termes d'un contrat d'une saison (2026-2027) avec l'attaquant Chris Kreider.
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a one-year contract (2026-27) with forward Chris Kreider.
#GoHabsGo
Frank Seravalli on twitter ↗
Relayed via an unofficial mirror account that re-posts
Frank Seravalli's reporting. Not posted by Frank Seravalli directly.
Kreider: 1 year x $2.15 million in Montréal.
Pierre LeBrun on twitter ↗
Relayed via an unofficial mirror account that re-posts
Pierre LeBrun's reporting. Not posted by Pierre LeBrun directly.
Kreider’s decision came down to three teams. Montreal wins out. Comfort level with Martin St. Louis. And obviously history with Jeff Gorton.
Chris Johnston on bluesky ↗
Relayed via an unofficial mirror account that re-posts
Chris Johnston's reporting. Not posted by Chris Johnston directly.
Chris Kreider's one-year deal with the #habs is worth $2.15M in guaranteed salary, with another $3.25M in potential bonuses, per sources
Chris Johnston on twitter ↗
Relayed via an unofficial mirror account that re-posts
Chris Johnston's reporting. Not posted by Chris Johnston directly.
Chris Kreider's one-year deal with the #habs is worth $2.15M in guaranteed salary, with another $3.25M in potential bonuses, per sources
Pierre LeBrun on twitter ↗
Relayed via an unofficial mirror account that re-posts
Pierre LeBrun's reporting. Not posted by Pierre LeBrun directly.
Kreider contract is $2.15M base with performance that could make the deal $5.4M total if maxed out.
Frank Seravalli on bluesky ↗
Relayed via an unofficial mirror account that re-posts
Frank Seravalli's reporting. Not posted by Frank Seravalli directly.
Kreider: 1 year x $2.15 million in Montréal.
[Response to a quoted post]
Pierre LeBrun on bluesky ↗
Relayed via an unofficial mirror account that re-posts
Pierre LeBrun's reporting. Not posted by Pierre LeBrun directly.
Kreider’s decision came down to three teams. Montreal wins out. Comfort level with Martin St. Louis. And obviously history with Jeff Gorton.
Pierre LeBrun on bluesky ↗
Relayed via an unofficial mirror account that re-posts
Pierre LeBrun's reporting. Not posted by Pierre LeBrun directly.
Kreider contract is $2.15M base with performance that could make the deal $5.4M total if maxed out.