Briere to join Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens reached agreement on a two-year contract worth a reported $8 million with winger Danny Briere, the team announced Thursday.
Briere, a Quebec native, became available last week when the Philadelphia Flyers bought out the final two years of an eight-year, $52 million contract that Briere signed in 2007.
"Daniel Briere brings a great deal of skills, experience and leadership to our team, and he is a significant addition to our group of forwards," Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said in a statement. "Daniel showed a great desire to pursue his career in Montreal and we are very happy that he committed to playing in Montreal for the next two seasons."
The 35-year-old Briere is a 15-year NHL veteran with 286 goals and 659 points in 847 games for the Phoenix Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres and Flyers.
He passed up a chance to join the Canadiens when he signed the long-term deal with the Flyers.
"I grew up in Quebec and always dreamed of playing for the Canadiens. I feel blessed that I received this second chance," Briere said. "That's why I wanted to do everything possible to sign with the Canadiens."
This past season was not one of Briere's best. He suffered a broken wrist playing in Germany during the lockout and finished with six goals and 16 points in 34 regular season games -- down from 68 points in 77 games in 2010-11. He also missed time with a concussion, his second in two seasons.
