We have some news regarding the trade made between the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils involving goaltender Jake Allen.

In the past few hours, the Devils announced the return of their number one goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, who has just recovered from a serious injury.

This return to play has an impact on Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, due to a clause inserted in the Jake Allen trade that was concluded between the two teams a year ago.

Let’s recall that the Canadiens will acquire a pick from New Jersey in anticipation of the 2025 draft because of the trade involving Jake Allen, but it is still unclear whether this acquisition will be a 3rd-round pick or a 2nd-round pick.

It’s worth noting that if Allen plays 40 games this season, Kent Hughes will secure a solid 2nd-round pick for the draft in June.

With Jacob Markstrom’s serious injury, it seemed possible.

Return to play announced for Jacob Markstrom: return to a real number two role for Jake Allen

This announcement brings the Canadiens closer to receiving the Devils’ 3rd-round pick in June, rather than their 2nd-round pick.

This slightly alters the trade.

“Jacob Markstrom leads the Devils for the first time in 12 games. He faces Adin Hill for Vegas.”

– Bill Spaulding

Allen has now played 23 games during Markstrom’s injury, and unless there’s a huge surprise, this now seems to settle the matter for this trade.