Trade finalized between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens: Did the Habs GM acquire another asset from Kyle Dubas and the Pens?

As you know, the Montreal Canadiens played an important role in the trade that sent Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In return for Mike Hoffman and Rem Pitlick, two forwards that no one is missing in Montreal, they received Casey DeSmith, Jeff Petry, Nathan Legare, and a second-round draft pick.

Petry was re-traded, as was expected. Now, it looks like Kent Hughes isn't done and that the Karlsson deal could bring much more to Montreal.

DeSmith on the Move?

With Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen, the Habs don't need another goaltender. Chances of seeing Casey DeSmith being traded soon were already high, but now, a recent development could indicate that it's even sooner than we thought.

Eric Engels, the renowned reporter, mentioned that he thinks he'll be traded before the season.



Kent Hughes also mentioned that playing in the AHL isn't an option for 32-year-old DeSmith.

Sooner Than Later?

This Friday, the NHL held a meeting with all the GMs and coaches in Chicago.

During that meeting, Kent Hughes probably tried to talk with other GMs about DeSmith.

Could the meeting speed up the trade process?

Kent Hughes already acquired Gustav Lindstrom and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft for Jeff Petry. The earnings from the Karlsson trade are expected to be bigger once DeSmith is gone.

As seen on Habs Fanatics - Trade finalized between the Montreal Canadiens and the Penguins last month: another asset acquired by Kent Hughes about to be traded?