Chris Wideman signs two-year deal to stay with Canadiens

Defenseman Chris Wideman could've hit unrestricted free agency next month but instead has committed his future to the Montreal Canadiens. 

Per the NHL's website, Wideman has put pen to paper on a two-year contract to remain with Montreal. While financial terms of the agreement weren't officially announced, Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette reports the deal is worth $1.525M and carries an annual salary-cap hit of $762,500 

For the most part, the Canadiens suffered through a nightmare 2021-22 season and finished with the league's worst record at 22-49-11. Wideman enjoyed a solid personal campaign, however, as he led all Canadiens defensemen with 23 assists, as noted by ESPN stats. The 32-year-old and Jeff Petry finished tied for the most points among Montreal defensemen with 27. 

"It felt right," Wideman explained about his decision to stay with Montreal. "This year was obviously tough for our team but on a personal level, an opportunity for me to play in the NHL and reestablish myself in the league. Just the way that I felt that I fit in with the group on and off the ice. Those things are invaluable when you're making a decision as a player. We love the city, my wife and I, so we're very happy to be back and it was almost easy decision." 

Despite the disappointing year, Montreal promoted Martin St. Louis from the role of interim head coach to permanent head coach on June 1. St. Louis received a three-year contract extension as part of that move.