Five Things We Learned About the Chris Wideman Signing

Chris Wideman was re-signed by the Montreal Canadiens for a two-year stint that will cost the Habs $750k in the first year and $775K in the second.

A pittance for a blueliner that can move the puck and put some points on the board.

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This signing told me a few more things that are worth exploring.

1. Wideman did very well for Martin St. Louis. He finished the season strong and was averaging 14:53 while putting up the bulk of his 27 points. Wideman is an offensive defenseman who at the age of 32 seems to be coming into his own in the NHL. Jeff Gorton knows a bargain when he sees it. He’s always been able to find these kinds of deals, and it ends up making the player happy because of the security of a two-year deal.

2. Wideman revealed this at the signing, “This signing felt right. And even though we had a tough season on a personal level it was an opportunity to play in the NHL and re-establish me in the league. The way I felt I fit in with the group on and off the ice, and those things are invaluable.”

3. Something I’ve learned is there’s expected to be an influx of KHL talent coming into the AHL this season since there’s going to be some purge of teams there with the ruble going up and down because of the war in Ukraine. They lost two teams, and there could be more. Some players were eager to sign as a result and Gorton got Wideman at a great price coming off his best season. He read the market and played it perfectly. Gorton and Hughes are a powerful combination.

4. Wideman will probably play on the third pairing with newcomer, Jordan Harris , at least to start the season. To have a veteran work with a rookie who has a lot of offensive potential. That’s plain smart. The Canadiens understand they won’t be a playoff team this year, so developing their young players is paramount. Gorton understands that back from his time with the New York Rangers, and that’s why he’s a perfect fit in Montreal.

5. I expect the Canadiens will try and sign at least one forward the same way they got Wideman. A veteran who needs to rehab his career. Montreal is the perfect spot for that, and Wideman is proof of what kind of results you can get with a great feeling surrounding the team. St. Louis and other vets will keep that going while helping the young stars.