Chris Kreider brings a major asset to Montreal for the playoffs

Jonathan Di Gregorio
Chris Kreider brings a major asset to Montreal for the playoffs
Credit: Capture d'écran/Twitter

After several quiet weeks, big news has been coming one after another this weekend.

Of course, there's the signing of Zachary Bolduc, who finally reached an agreement with the Canadiens, but the big talking point is Chris Kreider's arrival in Montreal.

We've said it before, but with Kreider, the Habs are adding a 6-foot-3, 232-pound power forward who will bring speed and physicality—which should help the team, especially in the playoffs.

However, as Arpon Basu explains in an article on The Athletic, in addition to his offensive contributions, the former Ducks and Rangers player arrives in Montreal with a wealth of playoff experience.

With 135 playoff games under his belt, Kreider has played 54 more postseason games than the team's second-leading player.

That's no small feat.

In fact, in second place is Phillip Danault, a player who was acquired last season specifically to bring experience to one of the NHL's youngest teams.

The Quebec native took his game to the next level this spring to help the Habs reach the conference finals with ten points—including two goals—in 19 playoff games, while maintaining a +3 plus/minus rating.

It's worth noting that Kreider chose to come to Montreal largely because he believes the team has a real shot at winning the championship this year.

The American, who notably played in the Stanley Cup Final in 2014, still managed to score seven points—including two goals—in twelve playoff games with the Ducks last year.

At 35, some fans are concerned about his age, but this kind of experience—which will be very beneficial to the Habs—can only be gained over time.

And even though his offensive output has declined in recent seasons, Kreider will have no trouble keeping up with the pace of the Habs' young players.

As Basu explains, the team's new acquisition ranked sixth on the Habs in top speed last season.

Add to that his 69 hits last year—which would have ranked him seventh on the Montreal team—and Kreider will truly bring a presence that will help the club in its upcoming postseason run. And all of this for just $2.15 million for one year.

In short, another smart move by Kent Hughes.


In a Nutshell

– Interesting.

– Three consecutive home runs for the Jays.

– He finally breaks through at home.

– So many emotions.

– The winner of the Montreal Cycling Grand Prix.

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