Canadiens trade defenceman Ben Chiarot to Florida Panthers

Mar 17 2022, 12:08 am

The latest big Montreal Canadiens trade has dropped – with reports of Ben Chiarot being sent out of town.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday evening that Chiarot was sent in a trade to the Florida Panthers.

About 15 minutes later, the Canadiens officially announced the trade, stating that the return would include a 2023 first-round pick and a 2022 fourth round pick along with prospect Tyler Smilanic.

In 38 games with Quinnipiac University this season, the 20-year old forward has put up 13 goals and nine assists.

Chiarot had been sat out of the Canadiens lineup this week in anticipation of a trade. He had spent the past three seasons in Montreal after three years in Winnipeg.

Chiarot has seven goals, 11 assists, and a plus-minus of -18 in 54 games this season. A key cog of the Canadiens’ run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, Chiarot was averaging 23:33 of ice time. His contract carries a cap hit of $3.5 million, and is set to expire after this season. Montreal is reportedly retaining 50% of Chiarot’s salary.

It’s the second big move of the Kent Hughes era, after sending Tyler Toffoli to Calgary in a trade last month.

The NHL trade deadline is set for next Monday, March 21.

Adam LaskarisAdam Laskaris

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