A Trade Completed Between the Canadiens and the Devils Is Now Officially Settled

When the Canadiens traded Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils, there was an interesting condition on the draft pick they received.

If Allen played 40 games this season and the Devils made the playoffs, the 2025 third-round pick would have been upgraded to a second-round pick.

But now, we can forget about that idea.

With only 24 games played, Allen would have to play every remaining game to reach the 40-game mark.. and we all know that won't happen.

The Devils have 16 games left, and with Jacob Markstrom in top form, he will be the one tending the net most of the time.

In fact, as soon as tomorrow, if Markstrom plays against the Edmonton Oilers, it will become mathematically impossible for Allen to reach 40 games.

So, the Canadiens will keep their third-round pick and won't move up a round.

It's unfortunate, but honestly, I think Kent Hughes already knew it was unlikely.

As soon as the Devils acquired Markstrom, it was clear that Allen would be a backup goalie and that the chances of him playing 40 games were very slim.

In the end, Allen is having a solid season, but it won't be enough for Montreal to benefit from a better draft pick.

It's only a matter of hours before this is officially confirmed.

This season with New Jersey, Jake Allen has a record of 10-13-1, a goals-against average of 2.58, and a save percentage of .910, which is very solid for a No. 2 goalie on a team that has been ravaged by injuries this season.