Canadiens re-sign forward Joel Armia to four-year extension

The Canadiens have made a mark on free agency before it even gets started. Joel Armia has agreed to terms with Montreal on a new four-year contract extension that will keep him away from the open market. The deal carries an average annual value of $3.4 million and keeps Armia under contract through 2024-25. Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reports that the deal does not include any signing bonuses or trade protection.

Armia, 28, might not create a lot of offense, but he’s still a valuable contributor to the Canadiens who can be used in a variety of ways. One of the best penalty killers in the league, he scored two short-handed goals in Montreal’s 21-game playoff run while lining up against some impressive competition. His 6-4 frame allows him to get a stick in passing lanes or easily strip players of the puck, all helping Montreal’s identity of a tight defensive group with a penchant for the counterattack.

The Canadiens, who also have Corey Perry, Phillip Danault, Eric Staal and Tomas Tatar scheduled for unrestricted free agency, were going to need to add some forwards at some point this summer, so why not bring back a player you know and like. The risk involved in a four-year deal is mitigated somewhat by the fact that Armia is still just 28, although he did get a pretty substantial bump in pay. If Armia's defensive ability declines at all, it’s hard to see how Montreal would get its value back from a player that has hit 30 points only once in his career.

Still, Montreal has cap space to burn, considering Shea Weber’s likely placement on long-term injured reserve for at least this season. Even with Armia back in the fold, Montreal has close to $20 million in room to add in free agency and just a handful of spots left to fill on the roster.