It's that time of year when there's a lot of movement in the NHL, aside from the trade deadline, and the Canadiens organization hasn't been spared.
First off, Kent Hughes announced the signing of Alex Barré-Boulet, who has been with the Lightning organization since 2018-19, with a brief stint with the Kraken in 2021-22.
On the Canadiens' side, they decided not to tender a qualifying offer to Jesse Ylonen, but kept the door open. However, he didn't stay a free agent for long, as he signed a one-year deal with the Lightning.
Also, defenseman Tobie Paquette-Bisson is leaving for the Lightning organization, having been excellent with the Rocket last year, mainly with a +21 differential.
It really seems like a disguised trade, but all these players were unrestricted free agents, and it's a nice coincidence.
