Former Hab reportedly nixed trade to team he'd eventually join

The Montreal Canadiens and General Manager Kent Hughes finally resolved the crowded crease last week prior to the trade deadline, sending veteran netminder and 2019 Stanley Cup champion Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils.

In return, the Canadiens received a 2025 third-round pick, which could become a second-round pick if Allen plays in 40 or more games between now and the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.

For Canadiens fans and the organization, it's great news that they were able to move Allen and allow Samuel Montembeault and Cayden Primeau to handle the duties for the remainder of the season. But it appears that there was an opportunity to move Allen earlier this season, but he nixed the trade.

After practice on Wednesday, Allen told reporters that he was presented with a trade earlier this season that would have sent him to the New Jersey Devils, but he used his no-trade clause to turn it down because he didn't want to join another three-goaltender situation with Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid.



Ultimately, the Devils traded Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for another goaltender - Kaapo Kahkonen, and assigned Akira Schmid to the American Hockey League's Utica Comets. So for the remainder of the season, it'll be Allen and Kahkonen between the pipes for the Devils, however, Nico Daws currently remains on the NHL roster, so it's unclear what New Jersey's plan for him is as of yet.

In 21 games for the Canadiens this season, Allen had a record of 6-12-3 with a 3.65 goals against average and an .892 save percentage.

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