The Montreal Canadiens have executed a notable trade, sending goaltender Casey DeSmith to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Tanner Pearson and a third-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, reports NHL.com. This move adds an intriguing dynamic to both teams’ rosters and future prospects.
DeSmith, who is under contract for one more season with an average annual value of $1.8 million, had an NHL career-high 38 games (33 starts) last season, where he posted a 15-16-4 record, a 3.17 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage. The 32-year-old netminder was previously acquired by the Canadiens from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a three-team deal involving Erik Karlsson’s move to Pittsburgh on August 6.
DeSmith’s career journey began when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Penguins on July 1, 2017. His regular-season stats include a 58-44-15 record, a 2.81 GAA, a .912 save percentage, and nine shutouts in 134 games, of which he started 115. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, DeSmith has made one appearance, facing 51 shots.
In contrast, Tanner Pearson, the forward acquired by the Canadiens, hasn’t seen game action since November 9, when he sustained a hand injury while blocking a shot. Initially expected to recover in 4-6 weeks, the injury necessitated multiple surgeries and prompted an internal review of his care by the Canucks.
Montreal Canadiens’ General Manager Kent Hughes provided insights into Pearson’s condition, stating, “I can tell you that he’s already passed his physical testing in Vancouver. He’s skating. I think the strength in his injured hand is almost 80 percent. Is it 100 percent? No, but we expect that he’s going to be available to play and take part in camp.”
Pearson is in the final season of a three-year, $9.75 million contract with an average annual value of $3.25 million. His NHL career has seen him accumulate 272 points, including 133 goals and 139 assists, across 590 regular-season games for the Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Canucks. He’s also made a notable impact in the playoffs, contributing 23 points, comprising nine goals and 14 assists, in 51 postseason games, with his most significant achievement being a Stanley Cup win with the Kings in 2014.
The Canadiens view Pearson as a valuable asset for his experience and the mentoring he can provide to younger players. Hughes emphasized the importance of Pearson’s presence, stating, “We need a bit of gray hair too to pass along those experiences to our younger players, and I think Tanner can bring that to the team. I don’t know if his physical return will be a straight path or if there will be obstacles along the way, but we believe that he is healthy right now.”
