Major development: the Canadiens and Oilers attempted a historic trade this summer

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Jeff Drouin
August 25, 2022 (11:17)

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In the category of really interesting news today, we just came across a very interesting article by Marco D'Amico (Montreal Hockey Now), which reveals that the Montreal Canadiens were almost involved in a special deal with the Edmonton Oilers this summer.

SIGN AND TRADE

It was on the most recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast that renowned tipster Elliotte Friedman explained it all.

Basically, the Edmonton Oilers worked very hard to try and sign defenseman John Klingberg (before he signed with the Anaheim Ducks).

They didn't have the payroll space, and that's where Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens tried (brilliantly) to step in.

A HISTORIC FIRST IN THE NHL

In a bold move, again according to Friedman, the Oilers reportedly talked to the Montreal Canadiens to find a solution:

"Before he ended up in Anaheim, I think they (the Edmonton Oilers) really wanted Klingberg and they were trying to do something with another team, specifically Montreal," Friedman said of the potential trade that fell through between the Canadiens and Oilers.

"Klingberg would have signed there (in Montreal) and then been traded to Edmonton. Montreal would have kept some of it (salary) and the Oilers would have given the CH something in return. (like a prospect or picks) I also believe Edmonton would have had to trade a player or two.

Finally, it will obviously not have worked, but they really tried, according to Friedman. One imagines that, if that deal with the Oilers had worked out, we wouldn't have gotten Sean Monahan.

It would have been interesting to see him return in a trade like that, especially since, according to Friedman (in addition to the picks and/or the prospect), Kent Hughes would have possibly acquired the young Jesse Puljujarvi.

One thing is for sure, it proves once again how creative and active Kent Hughes is, to improve his team and to take advantage of any possible advantage.

We love it!

Puljujarvi, 24 years old and 6 feet 4 inches, was drafted fourth overall in 2016 and had 36 points (14 goals) in 65 games last season.

Trade that almost happened between Montreal and Edmonton :

To the Canadiens: Pick, prospects, Jesse Puljujarvi

To the Oilers: John Klingberg (with salary retained)