Montreal Canadiens Agree to 2-Year, $8 Million Deal with Daniel Briere

The Montreal Canadiens have reached an agreement on a two-year, $8 million contract with free agent and recent Philadelphia Flyers center Daniel Brière.

The Habs' official Twitter account broke the news on Thursday, and ESPN's Pierre LeBrun provided the details of the deal:

Brière is a 16-year NHL veteran who has played for the Buffalo Sabres and the Phoenix Coyotes in his career as well. He was selected 24th overall in the 1996 draft by the Winnipeg Jets, right as the franchise was making the transition to play in Phoenix.

A Quebec native, this is somewhat of a homecoming for Brière to play out what will likely be the remainder of his career in Montreal.

Brière was bought out by the Flyers back in late June, which allowed him to hit the open market and sign with a new suitor.

It was a difficult decision to make for GM Paul Holmgren considering the veteran gave six solid years to the organization. The 35-year-old posted 124 goals and 159 assists for 283 points in 364 regular-season games for the Flyers.

Brière has been most impressive in the postseason, where he's notched 109 points in 108 games. That is likely a big reason why the Canadiens brought him in.

The Ottawa Senators knocked Montreal out of the playoffs in five games in the opening round of this year's Stanley Cup playoffs. Brière provides a savvy presence who can serve as an offensive spark and be a mentor as his career winds down.