Artturi Lehkonen could have ended up in Ottawa instead of Colorado

Marc-Olivier Cook
Artturi Lehkonen could have ended up in Ottawa instead of Colorado
Credit: Capture d'écran / X

While playing for the Montreal Canadiens, Artturi Lehkonen was seen as a versatile player.

The Finnish player didn't contribute much offensively, but he still played an important role on the Habs' roster.

Kent Hughes eventually traded him to the Colorado Avalanche in March 2022, on the trade deadline… but the player could just as easily have ended up in Ottawa.

Why do I say that?

Because the Senators had their sights set on him. Pierre McGuire mentioned it last night on the Sick Podcast: the Ottawa club was very fond of Lehkonen when McGuire was working for the Sens (during the '21–22 season).

But in the end, the Sens' offer fell short of Colorado's:

At the end of the day, it was the player who benefited.

Because in Ottawa, Artturi Lehkonen would never have won the Stanley Cup. He probably wouldn't have had the chance to prove his worth as a clutch player in the playoffs, and maybe he would never have had the offensive breakout we've seen in his game over the past four years. 

You know, when they say fate works in mysterious ways… hehe.

Seriously, it's interesting too because it would have changed a lot of things for the Habs as well.

By trading Lehkonen to Colorado, the Canadiens acquired Justin Barron… who was ultimately used to acquire Alexandre Carrier from Nashville. The Canadiens' defense would look different today if that hadn't happened, and Lehkonen could have become a key player in Ottawa, too…

Oh well. It's always fascinating to think about trades that never actually happened… 


In a Nutshell

– Such a shame.

– That's a good one.

– He looks good.

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