The Montreal Canadiens have been quiet on the trade front since moving Sean Monahan, but the Laval Rocket decided to throw their hat in the ring.
The Canadiens have acquired forward Jacob Perreault from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Jan Mysak.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 7, 2024
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On Thursday afternoon, the Rocket traded centre, and 2020 second-round pick Jan Mysak to the San Diego Gulls in exchange for right wing Jacob Perreault (2020 27th overall pick). The move signifies that Mysak has fallen out of favour with head coach JF Houle. Perreault also gives the Rocket an upgrade on skill in a trade that took advantage of the organization's centre depth.
Mysak was never an explosive point producer in junior with the Hamilton Bulldogs. The Litvinov, Czechia., native accumulated 89 points in 83 Ontario Hockey League games. His floor upon being drafted was fourth-line NHL centre, so his free-fall to the fourth line in the AHL was rather disappointing.
Perreault is viewed as a one-dimensional player, but his dimension is sorely lacking in both the AHL and NHL. With a 30 and 39-goal season in the OHL with the Sarnia Sting, Perreault had one of the best shots in his draft class. That shot has yet to translate to the AHL level, let alone the NHL level; as Perreault has 32-59-91 in 161 games.
At just 21 years old there may be some untapped potential, which makes the trade a bit of a low-risk, medium-reward deal. Even if he doesn't perform well it isn't a huge loss considering the depth at centre. If he does, he could give the Canadiens a nice depth piece.
You would have to think that management has done some research and feel confident that the development staff can get the most out of the Montreal native. Adam Nicholas has done wonders with Juraj Slafkovsky, getting him to realize his true potential and helping Cole Caufield carve out a great 200-foot game. I would put my money on him getting something more out of Perreault.
The skill he possesses can't be taught, but the rest of his game can be improved upon so long as he is committed. In Laval there are also some pretty good playmakers like Sean Farrell, Logan Mailloux and Riley Kidney. Shooters like Emil Heineman and Jared Davidson will also benefit from having another goalscorer in the lineup to carry the weight.
For Habs fans: Jacob Perreault is exactly what the system needs more of. A guy that still has high offensive upside. Great shot, clever playmaker, and has shown some added competitiveness as of late. Two-way game needs work, but he is a good addition. pic.twitter.com/VF1bcQmflK
— Félix Sicard (@Felix_Sicard) March 7, 2024
We're all thinking about David Savard and Jake Allen getting moved ahead of Friday's deadline, but this move improves the skill of the organization.