Three former Canadiens players who could help right now

The Canadiens' weaknesses lie on defense. Both at the blue line and in front of the net, there is room for improvement.
What's ironic is that a few former Canadiens players who were traded away by Kent Hughes—we won't go too far back, since it's been a while since fans got over Mikhail Sergachev—could actually help.

For example?
Johnathan Kovacevic is a defensive defenseman whose stats don't reflect his true value. And even though he was just a spot player in Montreal from time to time, he's developed.

It's no coincidence that the Devils recently signed him to a $20 million deal.
Would the player who was injured at the start of the season hypothetically change everything in Montreal? No, of course not. But he would help shore up the defense—and possibly give the key players a rest.

His departure from Montreal was necessary in 2024 due to roster depth, but right now, he wouldn't hurt.

Jonathan Kovacevic steps into Jackson Blake's shoes; pic.twitter.com/Cm0GU58GaX
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 22, 2025

Jake Allen has also been in New Jersey since 2024 because there was a surplus here. But as we wonder which veteran could support the young players, it's clear that the former Canadiens player wouldn't hurt.
On a team that isn't making waves, Allen has solid numbers.

30 games, 13 wins, 2.65 ERA, and a .906 save percentage

Casey DeSmith is in the same boat. The former Habs player (who never played a single regular-season game here) has solid stats in Texas.
He plays with a lot of power, but he still has good numbers.

25 games, 14 wins, 2.40 GAA, and a .907 save percentage

Obviously, the goal isn't to dwell on the past, since in all three cases, trading these guys was necessary. That said, we see that sometimes players will find success elsewhere, leaving a hole here.
But Kent Hughes is capable of filling those gaps in other ways.

In a nutshell– For soccer fans.

The #CFMTL is back in Marie-Victorin, preparing for its weekend game in Cincinnati.
1. Hennadii Synchuk and Fabian Herbers are training separately. Will they be back with the team in time to play on Sunday?
2. Prince Owusu scores during the 12-on-12 drill… pic.twitter.com/pPchm3tiYx
— Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) March 17, 2026

— Note.

From @EdmontonOilers Kris Knoblauch on “Draisaitl won't play tonight and we'll know more about his timeline tonight or tomorrow”
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) March 17, 2026
— Yes.

One of Lane's valuable pieces of advice to his brother: keep your head held high https://t.co/oVr0FzH0Bz
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) March 17, 2026

– It's got people talking.

“To the children in Italy, know that we're doing this for you.” https://t.co/SxmaM3RwDJ
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) March 17, 2026
— For those interested.

Tickets for the 2026 @TimHortons NHL #HeritageClassic between the @CanadiensMTL and @NHLJets on October 25, 2026, will go on sale on March 24!

Get yours early using the pre-sale code: SOCIAL26HC
Tickets: https://t.co/Qb9DNYSXp4 pic.twitter.com/Wh7bJRrdiI
— NHL (@NHL) March 17, 2026