The long wait is finally over. Ben Chiarot has found a new home as he has been traded to the Florida Panthers.
There is no lottery protection for the 1st round pick.
Ty Smilanic is a 6’1″ 175 lbs forward who can play all three positions. He was Florida’s 3rd round, 74th overall pick in 2020. He is currently committed to Quinnipiac University in the NCAA and does not possess an NHL contract.
Ben Chiarot has been at the center of rumors for virtually the entire season and the Panthers win the lottery by giving Kent Hughes what he wanted and that was a 1st round pick.
Canadiens first Stanley Cup Final goal since Paul DiPietro beat Kelly Hrudey in June, 1993 is scored by Ben Chiarot. pic.twitter.com/142Nwi0H6Q
— A Winning Habit (@FSAWinningHabit) June 29, 2021
Chiarot played 164 games across three seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. He accumulated 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points. He was originally signed to a 3 year $10.5 million contract as a free agent in the 2019 offseason. He was instrumental in the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2021.
The Panthers add a veteran minute eater who can play physical and can quarterback the offense in a pinch. Montreal has been using him on the powerplay and although he’s not going to light up the score sheet, he has proven he can quarterback a power play if needed.
This is a huge add for Florida as they have also traded Frank Vatrano to the New York Rangers in return for a 2022 4th round pick. The move was clearly made to clear up some cap space for Ben Chiarot. It is also rumored that the Panthers are looking for ways to add Claude Giroux as well, as they sit first in the Atlantic Division with 88 points, 6 ahead of their cross-state rivals the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Kent Hughes will address the media at 10 am ET on Thursday.
What do you think of the trade? Comment below!