It's a two-way deal, meaning that Christian Thomas will still have to go through waivers if the Habs attempt to send him to the AHL.
Press release
MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Thursday that forward Christian Thomas has agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with the Club (2015-16). Thomas, 23, played 18 games with the Canadiens in 2014-15.
He scored one goal, his first career goal in the NHL, on February 12 against Edmonton. He averaged 9:05 of ice time per game and was assessed seven penalty minutes.