Chris Kreider joins the Canadiens, aims to win over the passionate fans

Chris Kreider was introduced as a new Montreal Canadiens player, just two days after signing a one-year contract. The athlete was present at the team’s preseason golf tournament, wearing Canadiens undergarments and a white cap, while the clubs did not disclose the financial details of the deal.

As NHL.com reports, Kreider said he knows well the intensity of the fanbase in Montreal and described it as something very special, a kind of “religion” for the city. He emphasized that his connections with coach Martin St. Louis and club president Jeff Gorton played a role in the decision to join the Canadiens, after his contract with the Anaheim Ducks was terminated on September 10.

Kreider also recalled the 2014 incident, when he collided with goaltender Carey Price in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, a moment that caused Price’s injury and reactions from fans. The forward said the collision was not intentional, that he was still young, and that things happen in games, adding that he is happy to now be part of the Montreal team.

In his career Kreider played many seasons with the New York Rangers and then one season with the Ducks; last season he recorded 50 points in 75 regular-season games and added seven points in 12 playoff games. In 14 NHL seasons he has reached 632 points in 958 regular-season games and 83 points in 135 playoff games, while with 124 power-play goals since 2012–13 he ranks tenth in the corresponding period.

Coach Martin St. Louis described Kreider’s addition as fulfilling several of the team’s needs — experience, strength and presence in front of the net — and emphasized that most important is that he is a quality person. These assessments and the move to sign Kreider were also mentioned in NHL.com’s reporting.

Source: NHL.com