Is a trade expected between the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils? A Habs goaltender would be targeted to replace Mackenzie Blackwood

PUBLICATION

Elias Edmonson
August 13, 2023 (5:47 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Kent Hughes has certainly made a big splash by managing to get rid of the contracts of Mike Hoffman and Rem Pitlick, two players who were no longer part of the organization's plans and who unfortunately took up a spot in Martin St. Louis' lineup.

In addition, the radio silence from the Canadiens following the acquisition of Jeff Petry and Casey DeSmith suggests that the general manager of the Tricolore may be about to cook up some new trades. This would mean that in addition to freeing up Mike Hoffman and Rem Pitlick, the CH could obtain other assets by trading the two newcomers.

Wow! If that's the case, Kent Hughes will have done simply remarkable work!

Moreover, knowing that the Montreal organization currently has four goaltenders under contract for next season (five including Carey Price), there is no doubt that one of them should leave soon, and everything seems to indicate that Jake Allen or Casey DeSmith could be on their way out.

Given that the general manager of the Devils, Tom Fitzgerald, traded Mackenzie Blackwood to the San Jose Sharks, the management is currently looking to get their hands on a goaltender to back up Vitek Vanecek next year. The 27-year-old goaltender greatly stood out last season with a record of 33 wins, 11 losses, and 4 overtime losses, clearly taking over the number one role with the Devils.

The young sensation Akira Schmidt could have been a viable option, but according to information reported by Frank Seravalli, the organization would prefer to send him to the AHL, so that he can get multiple starts to continue his development, thus obliging the Devils to find a new goaltender for the 2023-2024 season.

According to columnist Alex Chauvancy, who works for The Hockey Writers, the Montreal Canadiens, given the numerous goaltender in the organization, would be the ideal team to conclude a trade with the New Jersey Devils before the start of the season.

"After acquiring Casey DeSmith in the trade involving Erik Karlsson, the Canadiens now have a surplus of goaltenders that the Devils should be keeping an eye on, whether it's through a trade or a player being placed on waivers during training camp." - Alex Chauvancy

Of course, Tom Fitzgerald would possibly prefer to get his hands on Quebecer Samuel Montembeault, who showed the full extent of his talent with the Tricolore and the Canadian team last season, but it would be very surprising if Kent Hughes agreed to trade his number one goaltender.

Casey DeSmith could therefore become a very interesting option for the Devils. Indeed, the 31-year-old veteran recorded excellent statistics during his five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, maintaining a save percentage of 0.912 and a goals-against average of 2.81. Furthermore, considering that Schmidt will be ready to make the jump to the NHL in 2024-2025, Casey DeSmith's one-year contract would fit perfectly with the organization's plans.

One thing is certain, the New Jersey Devils will be a team to watch closely in the coming weeks, as they could attempt to make a trade with the Montreal Canadiens to acquire a number two goaltender.

Credit : Habs et LNH