Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens made two trades with the New Jersey Devils over the past few months, two trades that hurt.

There’s little to criticize about Hughes and Jeff Gorton’s trade market moves since their arrival, or almost none, but it’s still worth highlighting two decisions that are aging increasingly poorly.

Two Trades Between the Canadiens and the Devils That Hurt Montreal Today

First, the trade with New Jersey involving Johnathan Kovacevic. (announced last June)

Montreal received a 2026 fourth-round pick in return for the 6-foot-5 right-shot defenseman.

This year, Kovacevic has had a real breakout.

He’s playing so well that he’s forcing the Devils to leave their 2022 second overall pick, Simon Nemec, in the stands.

Kovacevic is now a solid top-four defenseman for this Stanley Cup-contending team, with a +7 rating and 6 points in 15 games this season.

He would be so useful to the Canadiens’ lineup right now, especially knowing that Hughes is currently shopping for a top-four defensemen.

Second, let’s talk about the trade with New Jersey involving Jake Allen. (announced last March)

Montreal received a conditional 2025 third-round pick in return for the 6-foot-2 goaltender, to give young Cayden Primeau a regular and stable spot.

This year, as the Habs’ goalies struggle, Allen is on fire in New Jersey.

In 5 games, he has a 3-1-1 record, a goals-against average of 2.60, and a save percentage of .904. (two shutouts in 5 games!)

Do you believe Jake Allen and Johnathan Kovacevic would be useful to the Canadiens right now? Do you think they’d be better than Cayden Primeau and Justin Barron, for example?

Personally, I think the Habs could really use a Kovacevic right now, as he’s a solid, genuine defensive defenseman.