The Montreal Canadiens have acquired forward Joel Armia, goaltender Steve Mason, a 2019 seventh-round pick and a 2020 fourth-round pick from the Winnipeg Jets for defenseman Simon Bourque.
The 25-year old Armia was drafted 16th overall in the 1st round of the 2011 draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Armia is an RFA.
The 30-year old Mason was drafted 69th overall in the 3rd round of the 2006 draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He carries a $4.1 million cap hit.
The 21-year old Bourque was drafted 177th overall in the 6th round of the 2015 draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He carries a $720,000 cap hit.
Thoughts from the media …
While the #Habs immediately took on $4.1M in the trade with the #NHLJets, they currently have $14.5M in projected cap space with a roster of 22 (11F – 8D – 3G)
Acquiring Armia brings their total RFAs to five, three of which are arbitration eligiblehttps://t.co/lffSdAHDyf pic.twitter.com/YyaYNzQR2A
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) June 30, 2018
Chris Johnston: “Word is the #habs are already shopping Steve Mason. They could hold some money back and flip him.”
John Shannon: “By the way, today is the last day of the first buy-out window…its is not out of the question that Steve Mason will be bought out by his new team in Montreal.”
John Shannon: “Jets were not happy to lose Armia in deal to Montreal. But salary cap issues made forced team to give him up, in order for Canadiens to take Mason’s contract. Classic addition by subtraction.”
Chris Johnston: “Under the right circumstances NHL teams can really weaponize their cap space. The #habs get a serviceable player in Joel Armia, plus two draft picks, in exchange for absorbing Steve Mason’s $4.1M cap hit.”
Frank Seravalli: “Trade frees up more than $4.1 million for #nhljets. That’s what Mason was due and Armia was an RFA who needed to be paid. Armia is a solid pick-up for #Habs in the process.” Big deal for #nhljets to get out from under Mason’s deal.
Todd Cordell: “I like Armia as much as the next guy, and think Mason is better than he showed in Winnipeg, but the Habs really helped the Jets and their reward was a depth forward and a $4.1 million backup for Carey Price.”
Todd Cordell: “Weren’t the Canadiens making a serious push for Paul Stastny? This basically guarantees he stays with the Jets.”
Habs Links: “Joel Armia is a 25 yr old 6’3” RW who played primarily bottom-6 RW with WIN last year, had 12G-17A-29PTS in 79 games.”
Eric Engels: “Armia has been playing most wing the last two years. Has 10 and 12 goal seasons. He’s 25. Solid player.”
Joel Armia
Steve Mason
Simon Bourque