Theodore was named NHL's most valuable player and the top goalie last season when he led the Canadiens to the play-offs for the first time in four years.

"It was really important for myself and for the team that I didn't miss the start of training camp," he said after the signing on Thursday.

"I was always confident that a deal would get done before the start of the season."

Theodore, who will turn 26 next week, will reportedly earn $5m this season, $5.5m in 2003-04, and $6m in 2004-05.

The deal also contains numerous performance bonuses, making Theodore the team's highest-paid player.

He said: "I have a job to do - stop the puck. It's important to know the money is there, but the main thing is that I love playing hockey.

"It's still a game. I go to practice every day with the same feeling I had when I was making $35-a-week in junior hockey."

Theodore led the NHL last season with a .931 save percentage and had a 2.11 goals-against average.

He also had career highs in games (67), victories (30) and shutouts (7) and was selected to the North American team for the All-Star game.

"I'm just happy he'll be in camp," Montreal coach Michel Therrien said. "It's a great relief."