Riley Kidney Trade: Canadiens Acquire Goaltender and Forward from Senators

Riley Kidney Traded to Ottawa Senators: Canadiens Bolster Goaltending & Depth

In a recent transaction impacting the American Hockey League (AHL), the Montreal Canadiens have announced the trade of forward Riley Kidney to the Ottawa Senators. In return, the Canadiens acquire goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson. This move aims to strengthen the Canadiens’ goaltending depth and add another forward prospect to their system.

Details of the Trade

The announcement, made by Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes on Friday, signifies a strategic shift in roster management for both teams. Here’s a breakdown of the players involved:

Riley Kidney (Forward): A promising young forward, Kidney moves to the Senators organization. His development will now continue under Ottawa’s guidance.
Hunter Shepard (Goaltender): Shepard, 30, joins the Canadiens organization after playing 15 AHL games with the Belleville Senators (Ottawa’s AHL affiliate), posting a 6-7-2 record. He also has NHL experience, with a 2-3-1 record in six career games with the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators.
Jake Chiasson (Forward): The 22-year-old Chiasson arrives in Montreal with potential. He has one assist in 20 games this season with Belleville. He also has experience in the ECHL with the Allen Americans, where he recorded eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) in 16 games.

Player Profiles

Hunter Shepard

Shepard brings valuable experience to the Canadiens’ goaltending pipeline. His NHL experience, albeit limited, provides a level of preparedness should he be called upon. He’s a seasoned AHL veteran and could provide stability at the AHL level. You can find more information about Hunter Shepard’s career stats on EliteProspects.

Jake Chiasson

Chiasson, drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, is a 6-foot-2 forward with a developing offensive game. He’ll look to make an impact in the Canadiens’ system and potentially climb the ranks. His draft profile can be reviewed on HockeyDB.

Impact and Future Outlook

This trade reflects the Canadiens’ commitment to building depth at key positions. Acquiring a goaltender with NHL experience is a smart move, while Chiasson offers potential as a developing forward. The departure of Riley Kidney, while a loss of a promising prospect, allows the Senators to add a player who could contribute to their future success. The AHL season is crucial for both Shepard and Chiasson as they aim to prove their worth within the Canadiens organization.