Overview
- The Canadiens and Blue Jackets confirmed on Thursday that Montreal acquired forward Hunter McKown from Columbus in exchange for winger Luke Tuch.
- McKown is a 24-year-old undrafted college signing who has 12 NHL games (two assists) and spent last season with Cleveland, posting nine goals and 16 assists in 63 AHL games.
- Tuch is a 24-year-old second-round pick (2020) who has yet to play an NHL game and had nine goals and five assists for 14 points in 68 AHL games with Laval this past season.
- Both players are set to become restricted free agents next week, with McKown slated to become waiver-eligible in the fall and Tuch retaining one season of waiver exemption.
- The trade is chiefly an organizational depth move for AHL affiliates that arrives as Columbus creates more roster and cap flexibility after adding Valeri Nichushkin and Montreal holds roughly $11 million in cap space.