The Montreal Canadiens have agreed to a a two-year contract worth $8 million with restricted free agent Danny Briere. The center most recently played for the Philadelphia Flyers.
The 35-year-old spent the last six years in Philadelphia, where he helped lead the Flyers to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2010. During the 2009-10 campaign, he recorded 53 points in 75 regular-season games, and added 30 points on 12 goals and 18 assists in the postseason, leading the team in all three categories. In 2010-11, Briere posted career highs with 34 goals and 34 assists.
However, since his 68-point season two years ago, Briere has seen his production decline. He compiled 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) in 2011-12, and dropped to 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) this past season. Briere played in just 34 games during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign due to a concussion.
Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin spoke highly of Briere in a statement released Thursday:
"Daniel Briere brings a set of skills, experience and leadership and is a prominent addition to our group of forwards. Daniel showed great interest in continuing his career in Montreal and we are very pleased that he has committed to play with the Canadiens for the next two seasons."