As of February 23rd, one might say that if Kent Hughes can trade Jake Allen before the trade deadline without retaining salary, he is a true genius.

With the goaltending market being abysmal since the beginning of the season, Jake’s $3.85 million for another season weighs heavily in the balance.

One can understand Kent Hughes keeping him. Rather than receiving practically nothing in return and paying half of his salary, it makes sense to keep him as insurance.

Sportsnet has proposed a very interesting three-team trade that could benefit the Canadiens. It would involve Jake Allen without retaining salary, with an interesting return.

“Then they got a 3-way trade between Colorado, Anaheim and Montreal:

COL gets Adam Henrique and Jake Allen.

ANA gets Calum Ritchie, 2025 COL 1st RD, Sean Behrens, Ryan Johansen.

MTL gets 2026 3rd RDer from Colorado

*ANA retains 50% on both Henrique and Allen.” – Sportsnet via NHL Watcher

In summary, the Canadiens would trade Jake Allen for a 3rd-round pick. If Kent Hughes can really complete this kind of transaction, it would be 100% in favor of the Canadiens.