Two Atlantic Division rivals came together to make a deal on Friday.
The Montreal Canadiens acquired goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Riley Kidney, the team announced.
Shepard, 30, has spent most of the 2025-26 season with the AHL's Belleville Senators, posting a 3.65 goals-against average and .885 save percentage in 15 games with Ottawa's affiliate. He has a 6-7-2 record this year.
He has made one appearance with the NHL club this season, suiting up for a Jan. 5 game against the Detroit Red Wings, replacing starter Leevi Merilainen. Shepard gave up two goals on 12 shots.
Over his three-year NHL career, the Shepard has a 2-3-1 record with a 3.87 GAA and .863 save percentage in six NHL appearances.
Chiasson, 22, has split time between the AHL and ECHL over the 2025-26 campaign. In 20 games with Belleville this year, he has one assist.
The Abbotsford, B.C., native was selected by the Edmonton Oilers 116th overall in the 2021 draft and has yet to make an appearance at the NHL level.
Kidney, 22, has spent most of the 2025-26 season in the ECHL with the Trois-Rivieres Lions. In 46 games, he has 11 goals and 22 assists. He has made six appearances with the Laval Rocket of the AHL but has only registered one assist this year.
The Enfield, N.S., native was selected by the Canadiens 63rd overall in the second round of the 2021 draft.
