As we slowly approach the NHL trade deadline, a trade from two years ago by Kent Hughes has resurfaced. The Canadiens acquired Justin Barron and a 2nd-round pick in exchange for Artturi Lehkonen. In all of Hughes' transactions so far, this one, in my opinion, is the closest. Both teams came out winners.
Lehkonen had an immediate impact in Colorado, playing a significant role in their Stanley Cup victory. For the Canadiens, Barron is still in development, and the 2nd-round pick will be selected this summer.
In the near future, the Canadiens will also have a good return on this trade. According to former GM and current Avalanche President Joe Sakic, he believes the advantage is with the Canadiens.
Certainly, when you look at it, it's the equivalent of trading a 1st and 2nd-round pick for Lehkonen, but the Finn is being utilized well in Colorado. We will have a better idea in the years to come about which team got the upper hand in this trade.
