Trade finalized by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday: the renowned Pierre LeBrun just revealed that Vincent Lecavalier contributed to it

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Elias Edmonson
September 23, 2023 (11:03)

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At the dawn of the Canadiens' training camp for the 2023-2024 season, earlier this week, Kent Hughes settled the goaltender situation by sending Casey DeSmith to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a third-round pick in 2025 and forward Tanner Pearson.

The arrival of the 31-year-old veteran with the Canadiens will provide depth to the team, but it did raise some questions from fans. However, it's understood that his acquisition will somewhat make up for the absence of Christian Dvorak, who will be sidelined until November.

That said, even though Pearson is not expected to be used in the top two lines, he could provide good service to the Canadiens, and it seems one of his former teammates had a say in his arrival in Montreal.

As reported by the website Danslescoulisses.com, it was Vincent Lecavalier who was behind this transaction. At least that's what insider Pierre LeBrun said during his appearance on Hockey 360, on RDS' airwaves.

The former Lightning player played with the Canadiens' new addition when he was with the Los Angeles Kings, and he recommended Kent Hughes to acquire him.

It can thus be said that there's some Vincent Lecavalier behind this transaction, proving that the Canadiens' general manager trusts the people around him. Moreover, Hughes once again relied on one of his former clients, as he confirmed during a press conference that he contacted another of his former clients, Anthony Beauvillier, to inquire about Tanner Pearson.

It will be interesting to see the veteran's contribution with the Canadiens this season, and if he has success, he could be used as trade bait at the trade deadline, as he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.