Canadiens Acquire Hunter Shepard and Jake Chiasson in Senators Trade Trend Summary

TL;DR

• Montreal acquired Hunter Shepard and Jake Chiasson from Ottawa.
• The Senators received prospect Riley Kidney in return.
• The trade provides the Laval Rocket with an elite, championship-winning goaltender.
• This move was completed to meet the AHL trade deadline requirements.

What Happened

On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators finalized a three-player trade involving their AHL affiliates, the Laval Rocket and the Belleville Senators. Montreal sent 22-year-old forward Riley Kidney to the Senators organization. In return, Ottawa traded goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson to the Canadiens. The transaction was structured as a minor-league deal, occurring one week after the NHL trade deadline but effectively meeting the AHL roster freeze.

Hunter Shepard, 30, brings significant experience to the Montreal system, having won back-to-back Calder Cups in 2023 and 2024. Jake Chiasson, 22, was a former fourth-round pick in 2021 who has spent time between the AHL and ECHL this season. Riley Kidney, a 2021 second-round selection, recorded 7 goals and 12 assists in 36 games for Laval prior to the trade.

Key Developments

The acquisition of Shepard is viewed as a high-impact move for the Laval Rocket. Shepard has posted a .908 save percentage and a 2.64 goals-against average in 28 games with Belleville this season. Jake Chiasson has split his 2025-26 campaign between the AHL and the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, where he tallied 20 points in 32 games. To view the full updated roster and player statistics, fans can visit the official Laval Rocket team portal.

Laval adds two-time Calder Cup winner Shepard to stabilize their crease for the playoff run.

Why This Matters

This trade directly impacts the AHL North Division standings. By acquiring Shepard, Montreal provides the Laval Rocket with a proven postseason performer to help secure a playoff spot. For Ottawa, the acquisition of Riley Kidney adds a younger offensive prospect to their pipeline who is under contract through the 2025-26 season. The swap allows both organizations to rebalance their depth charts at the minor-league level following the NHL trade deadline.

What Happens Next

Hunter Shepard and Jake Chiasson are expected to report immediately to the Laval Rocket for their upcoming weekend series. Riley Kidney will join the Belleville Senators as they continue their road trip. Because the trade occurred before the AHL deadline, all three players remain eligible to participate in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs should their respective teams qualify.

Key Terms & Concepts

AHL Trade Deadline

The final date players can be traded between American Hockey League teams to remain eligible for the postseason.

Calder Cup

The championship trophy awarded annually to the playoff winner of the American Hockey League.

Two-Way Contract

A professional hockey contract that pays a player different salaries depending on whether they are playing in the NHL or the AHL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who did the Canadiens get in the trade?

The Montreal Canadiens acquired goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson from the Ottawa Senators on March 13, 2026.

Why was Riley Kidney traded?

Riley Kidney was traded to Ottawa to acquire veteran goaltending depth and a different forward prospect, totaling 19 points in 36 games this season before the move.

Is Hunter Shepard eligible for the playoffs?

Yes, because the trade was finalized before the AHL trade deadline on March 13, Shepard is eligible to play in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.

What are Hunter Shepard's career achievements?

Hunter Shepard is a 30-year-old goaltender who won consecutive Calder Cup championships in 2023 and 2024 with the Hershey Bears.

How many players were involved in the deal?

The deal involved a total of three players: Hunter Shepard and Jake Chiasson moving to Montreal, and Riley Kidney moving to Ottawa.