Hilary Knight returns to CWHL, signs with Les Canadiennes de Montreal

In a stunning turn of events, Les Canadiennes de Montreal announced that they had signed Team USA superstar Hilary Knight.

BREAKING NEWS: American superstar Hilary Knight to play for Montreal.

Welcome to MTL @HilaryKnight! 👋😊

READ -> https://t.co/3osDPIs9IS pic.twitter.com/obsrjNaBD6

— Les Canadiennes (@LesCanadiennes) March 8, 2018

Knight is the first 2018 USA Olympian to sign with a professional team after the squad won their first Olympic gold medal in 20 years. But most expected the US players to sign with their former NWHL teams; Knight has been a member of the NWHL’s Boston Pride for the last two seasons.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to get back on the ice and to play in Montreal in front of Fabs fans! It’s always an honour to be able to promote women’s hockey, and my goal is to help Montreal defend their title as Clarkson Cup Champions,” said Knight in a press release.

General manager Meg Hewings was thrilled about the new signing.

“Hilary Knight is one of the most talented players in the world, and a champion for female athletes everywhere. We’re thrilled to welcome Hilary to Montreal, to have her join our all-star roster and play in hockey’s most passionate market. She’s an impact player who will help our organization continue to be a leading, world-class club.”

Knight was originally drafted by the Boston Blades in 2012 and has won the Clarkson Cup twice already with the Blades. Her signing with Montreal instantly makes them a Cup contender, especially because Robyn Flynn tweeted earlier this week that Les Canadiennes’ three Olympians would not be returning to the team.

Marie-Philip Poulin, Lauriane Rougeau and Melodie Daoust will NOT be rejoining @LesCanadiennes this season. Montreal will be without their Olympians as they aim to repeat as #ClarksonCup champions this year.

— Robyn Flynn (@robynlisaflynn) March 6, 2018

Knight will practice with the team tonight and is expected to make her debut with Les Canadiennes on Sunday, March 11. Buckle up, y’all, this is going to be a fun Clarkson Cup playoffs.