Joel Armia avoids arbitration, signs a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens

Acquired along with two picks for Simon Bourque and what was essentially a cap credit, Joel Armia has signed a one-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens, avoiding arbitration with a salary of $1.85 million.

Armia played 79 regular-season games for the Winnipeg Jets last season, scoring 12 goals in a bottom-six role and contributing a total of 29 points. He added two more goals during the Jets’ playoff run.

Image credit: EliteProspects

Armia will very likely take a spot on the right side, which had become a bit thin for the team. He should be an effective player in whichever role the team gives him, and will serve as another energy option for the team in 2018-19.

With the salary he is signed for, it gives the Canadiens a chance to evaluate his fit before committing to him more long term. It also gives Armia an opportunity to establish himself and show he deserves a bigger contract as well.