New Jersey Devils goalie Jake Allen. David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Modification to past trade between Devils, Canadiens appears official

Originally posted on Habs Fanatics | By Elias Adaime | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 6:07 PM ET

We have some news regarding the trade made between the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils involving goaltender Jake Allen.

In the past few hours, the Devils announced the return of their top goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, who has just recovered from a serious injury.

This return to play has an impact on Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, due to a clause inserted in the Allen trade that was concluded between the two teams a year ago.

Let's recall that the Canadiens will acquire a pick from New Jersey in anticipation of the 2025 draft because of the trade involving Allen, but it is still unclear whether this acquisition will be a third-round pick or a second-round pick.

It's worth noting that if Allen plays 40 games this season, Montreal will secure a second-round pick for the draft in June.

With Markstrom's serious injury, it seemed possible.

This announcement brings the Canadiens closer to receiving the Devils' third-round pick in June, rather than their second-round pick.

This slightly alters the trade.

Allen has now played 23 games during Markstrom's injury, and unless there's a huge surprise, this now seems to settle the matter for this trade.

This article first appeared on Habs Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.

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