Trade between the Canadiens and the Avalanche: Kent Hughes made a big move

We're talking about the trade that sent Artturi Lehkonen to Colorado in exchange for Justin Barron and a 2024 2nd-round pick. As we know, the Finn became a key offensive piece for the Avalanche, who won the Stanley Cup a few months later.

Lehkonen's production has been far better than what he had in Montreal. The team believes in him, and he plays on the top 6, whereas he was used only in defensive roles with the Canadiens.

On the other hand, Barron has yet to establish himself as a regular in the NHL, and to be honest, unless he pulls a rabbit out of his hat, he will never become as important to the organization as Lehkonen is for the Avalanche.

Now that the 2024 draft is over, the trade is officially closed, and it's clear that the tide has turned.

With the 26th pick from the Jets, acquired in the Sean Monahan trade, the Canadiens acquired the 21st overall pick, adding the aforementioned 2nd-round pick from the Avalanche and another 7th-round pick.

With the 21st pick, Kent Hughes selected Michael Hage, a very solid forward prospect, who is compared to Jack Eichel for his style of play.

Moreover, if we delve a bit deeper into theories, trading Lehkonen allowed the Canadiens to finish lower in the standings, thus technically enabling them to draft Juraj Slafkovsky, David Reinbacher, and Ivan Demidov.

While the trade was seen as a one-sided deal for Colorado for the past two years, it can now be said that it's a win-win ratio, with both teams getting what they needed.

Source: CH pour la vie
Transaction officielle entre Colorado et Montréal: ça va rapporter beaucoup