The Laval Rocket has made a strategic move to bolster their goaltending lineup. Following Jacob Fowler’s return to Montreal, the team announced a significant trade on Friday. General Manager Kent Hughes revealed the acquisition of goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson from the Ottawa Senators. In exchange, the Rocket sent forward Riley Kidney to Ottawa.
Trade Details: Key Players Involved
- Hunter Shepard
- Age: 30
- Performance: Compiled a record of 6 wins and 7 losses in 15 games for Belleville in the AHL.
- NHL Experience: Played 6 games in the NHL, recording 2 wins and 3 losses with the Washington Capitals and Senators.
- Recent NHL Appearance: Played for the Senators against the Detroit Red Wings on January 5, allowing two goals on 12 shots.
- Jake Chiasson
- Age: 22
- Performance: Recorded 1 assist in 20 games with Belleville this season.
- Previous League: Scored 2 goals and earned 8 points in 16 games with the ECHL’s Allen Americans.
- Background: Drafted in 2021 by the Edmonton Oilers, 116th overall.
- Riley Kidney
- Draft Position: 2nd round selection by Montreal in 2021.
- Recent Performances: Limited to just 6 games with Laval this season after two complete seasons.
- Stats: Tallied 33 points, including 11 goals, in 46 games with the Trois-Rivières Lions.
Additional Trade: Defenseman Exchange
In another trade, the Rocket announced that they exchanged defenseman Ryan O’Rourke to the Belleville Senators for future considerations. This move further reflects the team’s focus on reshaping their roster.
As the Laval Rocket continues to navigate their season, these trades aim to enhance their competitiveness on the ice. The addition of Shepard and Chiasson could play a crucial role in their upcoming games.
