The Montreal Canadiens have signed free agent forward Daniel Briere to a 2 year, 8 million dollar deal (4 million Cap hit).
Last season, Briere scored 6 goals and 16 points in what was a disappointing season for both him and the Flyers. Briere has 283 career points in 364 games with the Flyers. He also has 72 points in 68 career playoff games with the club. He was the club’s leading scorer with 30 points when they went to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, eventually falling in 6 games to the Chicago Blackhawks. Briere was bought out on an amnesty buyout by Philadelphia.
Briere struggled at even strength last season, but was a huge part of a Flyers powerplay that finished 3rd in the NHL in efficiency. Briere replaces the departing Michael Ryder in a role as a Canadiens’ powerplay specialist up front.
Briere said the following about the move:
“My whole career has been about finding the motivation to bounce back. Coming to Montreal makes it really easy. There’s no better motivation than having the chance to play for the Canadiens. Last season was definitely one where I wasn’t happy with the way things went and I’m going to do everything in my power to turn that around. I’m hoping I can prove to everyone it was just a fluke.”
“Deep down, I’ve always been a kid from Quebec who wanted to play for the Canadiens. I’m lucky to be able to have a second chance like this to be able to [sign with] Montreal. It’s a huge honor for me to play here. For me, Montreal Canadiens fans are probably the most passionate fans in the NHL. It’s an honor to be playing for them and in front of them and all I’m hoping is we’ll all be cheering in the same direction when the season starts. We’ll be pushing along together to rack up some wins.”
Briere was offered a contract by Montreal in 2007, when he instead chose to sign with the Flyers, stating that he felt Philadelphia had a better chance to win.
Briere will turn 36-years-old just prior to the start of the 2013-14 season.
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