Official statement from Jake Allen's agent regarding the possibility of an imminent trade

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Julien Trekker
March 2, 2023 (11:08 PM)

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The countdown is now well underway because the deadline to complete trades in the NHL is less than 24 hours away.

However, there is a good chance that the last day of the trade period will be quite quiet as most of the big names have already changed teams.

As for the Canadiens, it is not expected that Kent Hughes will be very active by Friday at 3 p.m., but as we have seen over the past few days, anything can happen in the NHL.

Among the players on the Canadiens who may interest some teams is goaltender Jake Allen. He could certainly help a team looking for insurance in front of the net, but the chances of him leaving the Canadiens seem rather slim.

At least that's what his agent, Allain Roy, said during his appearance on the JiC show on TVA Sports earlier this week.

"I never say no because there are always transactions that can occur. But when we signed the contract extension with Montreal, we had a discussion with Kent Hughes that he would have a big role in the development of young players and that he is a leader in the locker room. I think it would take a big return for something to happen in his case."

Let's say that makes it clear.

Number 34 is still having a good season this year, and he forms an excellent goaltending duo with Samuel Montembeault.

Allen's agent also mentioned to Jean-Charles Lajoie that his client enjoys being in Montreal, and when he accepted a contract extension before the start of the season, it was no doubt that the veteran goaltender was essential to the organization's turnaround plan.

"He is very happy [in Montreal] and he understands the plan for the next few years, and I think that's an asset for Kent Hughes."

That being said, there are still a few hours left before the deadline for trades in the NHL, and unless there is a big surprise, Kent Hughes is likely to be much quieter than he was at this time last year.