Wideman on re-signing with Montreal: 'It's a tremendous opportunity'

MONTREAL - Chris Wideman agreed to a two-year contract extension on Monday after putting up 27 points in 64 games in his first season in Montreal.
Later in the day, the 32-year-old rearguard spoke to the media to discuss his new deal.

Here are a few highlights from his press conference:
Wideman on why he decided to forego free agency and stay with the Habs:
"It felt right. I think this year was obviously tough for our team but on a personal level, it was an opportunity for me to play the NHL and re-establish myself in the :eague. Just the way that I felt I fit in with the group on and off the ice, those things are invaluable when you're making a decision as a player. My wife and I love the city, so we're very happy to be back. It was almost an easy decision."

Wideman on how fitting in off the ice played into his decision to stay in Montreal:
"Fitting in on the ice is extremely important. But I can remember my last night in Montreal, I spent with some teammates at a pub. I just remember feeling that feeling I had when I left, and my wife was back home. So, I called her when I left. I just said, 'If we can find a way to make it work to come back, I think this is where I belong.' I just had that feeling that these guys on the team, we've developed such close relationships. It would have been hard, having to start all over again and do that somewhere else.
"And that was on a last-place team, so I can't imagine how much fun it's going to be when we're playing a lot better this year and even the year after."

Wideman on his relationship with Kent Hughes and the revamped Hockey Operations department:
"Just dealing with those guys and working with those guys, from the time they came in until the end of this season, was a pleasure. They're very open; they're very honest. And, they're really good at what they do. They're going to get the Montreal Canadiens where they should be a lot quicker than people realize."

Wideman on signing a multi-year extension with the Canadiens:
"I think it's a tremendous opportunity. I know that my jersey is probably never going to hang in the rafters of the Bell Centre, but I have an opportunity to leave this organization after two years - or however long it's going to be - and leave it in a better place than I found it, on and off the ice. That's a tremendous opportunity and a challenge, and something I'm looking forward to."