The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators have completed a trade sending goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson to Montreal. The Canadiens are looking to add depth at both positions as they continue to navigate the 2025-2026 NHL season and build for the future. The specifics of what Ottawa received in return have not yet been released.
Shepard, an undrafted free agent signing by the Washington Capitals in 2019, has spent the majority of his professional career in the AHL and ECHL. The 27-year-old American has yet to make his NHL debut, but his experience and steady play in the minor leagues provide the Canadiens with a reliable option to bolster their goaltending depth behind Carey Price and Jake Allen.
Chiasson, a 21-year-old Winnipeg native, was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The Senators acquired him in a trade with the Oilers in 2023. He is currently playing for the Belleville Senators of the AHL. Chiasson is known for his strong skating and two-way ability. Canadiens management will be looking to see if he can develop into a dependable NHL player.
The Canadiens, currently sitting outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, are aiming to inject some new blood into their lineup. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will be hoping that Shepard and Chiasson can provide valuable contributions as the team pushes for a playoff spot.
