The 2024 NHL trade deadline is now behind us. The Montreal Canadiens were one of the most intriguing teams heading into the deadline. The Canadiens had several names on the market including David Savard and Jordan Harris. They also have a plethora of picks and prospects that could be bartered for impact young roster players for the future. However, the Canadiens biggest move came well ahead of the deadline when they dealt Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets. The Canadiens did make two other notable trades as well on deadline day, however. Let’s analyze the Montreal Canadiens trade deadline.
Canadiens Trade Deadline
Sean Monahan to Winnipeg
A month ahead of the trade deadline, the Canadiens shipped forward Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets. The trade saw Montreal fetch the Jets 2024 first-round pick as well as a conditional third-round pick in exchange for Monahan’s services. Monahan, 29, had 35 points with the Canadiens prior to the trade. The veteran forward has since excelled in his newfound role with the Jets, amassing eight goals and ten points in only sixteen games.
As for the Canadiens, the trade should be seen as an absolute win. Not only did they acquire a first for Monahan, but they also were able to get a first initially for taking on Monahan’s contract. The Jets are a projected cup contender so the acquired pick may end up at the tail end of the first round. Regardless, Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes aced the Monahan deal.
Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils
In the final hours of the trade deadline, the Canadiens shipped veteran goalie Jake Allen to New Jersey. The trade finally puts an end to the season-long three-goalie rotation that the Habs have been forced to deploy. The Canadiens acquired a conditional third-round pick which becomes a second dependent on Allen reaching the 40-game plateau with the Devils. The Canadiens also retained 50% of Allen’s contract for the remainder of his deal, which expires at the conclusion of next season.
Acquiring a potential second for Allen who had a lacklustre season is great value for the Canadiens. Allen’s presence caused a season-long goalie carousel between himself, Sam Montembeault, and Cayden Primeau. Furthermore, his departure allows for Primeau to take on the backup role as well as for Montembeault to firmly take the reigns as the team’s starting netminder.
Prospect Swap
The Canadiens final trade deadline deal was a prospect swap involving two interesting names. The team dealt forward Jan Mysak to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Jacob Perreault. Perreault, a Montreal native, was a first-round pick in 2020. Mysak was drafted 48th overall by the Canadiens in the same draft.
The trade provides a change of scenery for both forwards. Mysak likely wouldn’t have gotten an opportunity in the Canadiens top nine anytime soon. Perreault has more upside as a former first-round pick and coming home to Montreal may provide the spark he needs to reach that potential. The deal is low-risk, high reward for the Canadiens as Perreault has the higher ceiling of the two prospects and Mysak isn’t much of a loss as he was far down on the team’s depth chart.
The Canadiens trade deadline was quiet, yet effective. They got great value in all three of the deals that they made. They will likely be looking to make more of a splash come the summertime. More specifically on draft day and in the free agent market. The Canadiens have lots of cap space, draft capital, prospects, and some value roster players. Therefore, the Canadiens roster will look a lot different come the 2024-25 season.
Main photo: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
