Trade alert involving four players as goaltender Laurent Brossoit is moved

This is exactly the type of transaction Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens would have explored, had things not stabilized in goal.

See the confirmation here from the well-respected Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

The San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks moved quickly on this deal.

Chicago acquires defensemen Ryan Ellis and Jake Furlong, along with a 2028 fourth-round pick.

In return, San Jose receives defenseman Nolan Allan, goaltender Laurent Brossoit, and a 2028 seventh-round pick.

The name that immediately stands out is Ellis.

At 35 years old, he has played 566 NHL games and recorded 275 points, including 76 goals (yes, that Ryan Ellis). He has also appeared in 74 playoff games, producing 38 points, which is nothing to overlook.

He was once an NHL All-Star, but he is no longer an active player today.

As for Brossoit, the numbers are clear and speak for themselves. Over his NHL career, he has appeared in 140 games and holds a 64-46-13 record. He carries a 2.64 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage - a profile that can quickly provide help in goal.

This season, Brossoit has primarily played in the AHL with Rockford. You can understand why a team looking for stability would take a chance.

Nolan Allan arrives with an interesting profile as well: 29 games with Rockford this season, six points, including two goals.

Last season, he also got a taste of the NHL, playing 43 games with Chicago and recording eight points.

As for Furlong, he has appeared in 12 games with the Barracuda so far, tallying two assists.

When teams start moving goaltenders and draft picks, it often ends up influencing the market elsewhere.

And let's put it this way: when the NHL gets active, Kent Hughes is listening - even if it's not his phone ringing today.

Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Familiar name for Canadiens fans hits the NHL waiver wire