Full breakdown of Chris Kreider's new bonus-heavy contract.

On Saturday, veteran National Hockey League forward Chris Kreider surprised many when he agreed to a 1-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens after walking away from his previous contract with the Anaheim Ducks. Now that the full details of Kreider's new deal have emerged however we see a clearer picture of why the Canadiens became such an interesting option for Kredier who reportedly wanted to play closer to home.

The first major detail in this new deal is that it comes with a full no-movement clause, meaning that Kreider won't have to worry about relocating at any point during the season. You can see why that would be important for a player who reportedly wasn't thrilled about being traded by the New York Rangers in the summer of 2025.

Additionally, although it was initially reported that Kreider's deal carried a relatively marginal cap hit, we now know that Kreider's contract comes with a pretty significant bonus structure as well. Kreider stands to make the $2.15 million in salary and signing bonuses it's true, but he can also attain an additional $3.25 million in performance bonuses which would bring the AAV up to $5.4 million for the season.

The Canadiens of course had plenty of cap space to spare which likely allowed them to make Kreider one of the more competitive offers he received, especially with so much of that bonus money being tied to such an easily attainable goal.

Kreider will earn $2 million of that bonus money simply by playing his first 10 games as a Montreal Canadien. Kreider can then earn an additional $250,000 for scoring 10, 20, and 30 goals respectively, a total of $750,000 if he hits the 30 goal mark. If Kreider somehow does even better and reaches the 40 goal plateau, that would earn him an additional $500,000 on top of that.

It's a nice deal that gives Kreider plenty of motivation to play to his utmost ability this season, and one that will also guarantee him the comfort that he was reportedly looking for when it comes to being closer to home through his no movement clause.