Streit back with Canadiens: 'Montreal always had a special place in my heart'

Reunited and it feels so good.

Defenseman Mark Streit signed a one-year deal worth a reported $700,000 with the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, nine years after leaving the team that drafted him 262nd overall in 2004, and for whom he played three seasons before moving on.

Streit suited up for the New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the meantime, but never forgot what it was like to wear the "bleu, blanc, et rouge."

"Montreal always had a special place in my heart because I started there," he said on the team's website. "One thing I really always missed was playing at the Bell Centre. It's a unique rink with unique fans and a unique atmosphere. If you get the chance to play in front of them every night - with the atmosphere and the life in the city - I think it's very motivating."

Streit was used sparingly by the Penguins during their recent run to a Stanley Cup win, recording two assists in three playoff appearances. He feels he still has much to contribute, though, especially on the man advantage.

"I'm still a pretty good power-play player," he said. "I think that was my biggest asset 12 years ago, and it still is. I think power play is about experience and reading and reacting, and I think that gave me the opportunity to establish myself in the NHL. If I can help the PP out, I would love to do that.

"You get older and you get smarter. The game is getting faster and faster. I think I picked up a few things and got better at it."

Streit recorded six goals and 21 assists in 68 games split between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh last season, with 17 of those points coming on the power play.