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We all knew it was coming but it's now official, Ben Chiarot has been traded to the Florida Panthers in return for Tyler Smilanic, a 1st round pick in 2023 and a 4th round pick in 2022. It was clear that Hughes wanted a first round pick for Big Ben but since the Cats didn't have one this year, they probably ended up paying a premium.
Smilanic was taken 74th overall in 2020 and now has 2 NCAA seasons under his belt. He can play both left wing and centre, weights in at 177 pound and is 6'1 and fits in well with what Hughes has said he wants the Canadiens' identity to be: speed and skills. He's got excellent skating and good acceleration. The Canadiens now own his rights until August 15th 2024. The Habs also retain 50% of Chiarot's salary till the end of the season.
We'll see if Hughes has got more tricks up his sleeves in the coming days...but he will be talking to the media tomorrow at 10:00 AM.