Ex-Canadiens Stars Spark Fresh Journeys: Where They’ve Landed in Free Agency Shake-Up…Read More…
The 2025 NHL free agency window has thrown open the doors to a whirlwind of changes across the league, and few teams have seen more emotional departures than the Montreal Canadiens. A number of former Canadiens players, some beloved staples and others rising talents, have found new homes as they look to revive or continue their careers elsewhere.
For Montreal, this marks a poignant chapter—a mix of bittersweet farewells and forward-facing optimism as the team continues its rebuild under General Manager Kent Hughes. Let’s take a closer look at where some of these former Habs have landed, the roles they’re expected to play, and what their exits mean for the Canadiens and the broader NHL landscape.
Jake Allen Signs with Detroit Red Wings: Veteran Experience Joins a Rising Core
After four seasons in Montreal, veteran goaltender Jake Allen has officially signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings. Allen’s time in Montreal was characterized by stability and leadership, especially during a transitional period for the Canadiens’ goaltending corps following Carey Price’s exit from the ice.
In Detroit, Allen is expected to back up Ville Husso while also serving as a mentor to 23-year-old Sebastian Cossa, the Red Wings’ goaltender of the future. Allen’s professionalism and calm under pressure will be invaluable to a team on the cusp of reentering playoff contention.
“It’s a new opportunity for me,” Allen shared in a press conference. “I loved my time in Montreal, but I’m excited to help a young team push forward.”
Jonathan Drouin Reunites with Familiar Faces in Seattle
Perhaps one of the most emotionally charged exits, Jonathan Drouin, once seen as a hometown hero and major acquisition from Tampa Bay, has inked a two-year, $5 million deal with the Seattle Kraken. After a rejuvenating 2024–25 season where Drouin tallied 44 points and found chemistry with Montreal’s young core, fans had hoped for an extension.
Seattle, however, offered not just a competitive contract but a reunion with former teammate Yanni Gourde and a strong offensive system tailored to Drouin’s creative playmaking.
“Montreal gave me a second chance when I needed it most,” Drouin said in an emotional social media post. “But now it’s time for a new adventure. I’ll always carry those memories with me.”
For Montreal fans, Drouin’s departure is a reminder of what might have been—but also a celebration of a player who battled adversity and rediscovered his joy for the game.
Joel Edmundson Bolsters the Bruins’ Blue Line
Veteran defenseman Joel Edmundson, who spent parts of three seasons in Montreal and briefly with the Washington Capitals last year, has landed a surprising deal with the Boston Bruins, signing a one-year, $1.8 million contract. Known for his grit, physicality, and leadership, Edmundson adds depth and toughness to Boston’s bottom pairing.
His move to a rival Original Six franchise is sure to raise eyebrows among Canadiens faithful, but Edmundson, ever the professional, is focused on doing what he does best—shutting down opposing forwards and leading by example.
“Montreal will always be special to me,” Edmundson said in a radio interview. “But Boston is giving me a chance to contribute and compete, and that’s all I can ask for.”
Rem Pitlick Finds Stability in Nashville
After bouncing between Montreal and Laval, forward Rem Pitlick has returned to the Nashville Predators, where he had a short stint in 2021. Signing a modest two-year, $1.6 million contract, Pitlick is looking for consistency and a clear role.
While his tenure with the Canadiens was marked by flashes of offensive brilliance, roster logjams and coaching shifts limited his ability to lock down a steady position.
“Montreal gave me an incredible platform,” Pitlick noted. “I grew as a person and a player, and I’m thankful. Now, it’s about proving myself again.”
Paul Byron Transitions into Off-Ice Role
While not a traditional free-agent signing, Paul Byron, the heart-and-soul winger who officially retired last season due to injury, has officially joined the Calgary Flames’ front office as a player development consultant. Byron, who spent most of his career in Montreal and was known for his leadership and relentless two-way play, is making the shift from on-ice grinder to mentor.
“Montreal shaped my career in ways I never imagined,” Byron said in an NHL.com interview. “Now I get to help young players make that leap. I carry everything I learned in Montreal with me.”
Impact on the Canadiens: Clearing Room for the Youth Movement
The exits of Allen, Drouin, Edmundson, and Pitlick—along with the off-ice transition of Byron—signal a deeper commitment by the Canadiens to their youth movement. With young talents like Juraj Slafkovský, Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, and Joshua Roy pushing for larger roles, Montreal’s front office is making room for the future.
General Manager Kent Hughes expressed confidence in the team’s internal development pipeline. “These decisions weren’t easy,” Hughes said. “But we believe in our young core, and we’re excited about the growth we’re seeing.”
The Road Ahead: Nostalgia and New Beginnings
While farewells are never easy—especially for a passionate fanbase like Montreal’s—there’s a sense of optimism that these partings, though painful, are purposeful. For the players, these new destinations represent fresh starts, renewed hope, and in many cases, a final push for success in the twilight of their careers.
For the Canadiens, it’s about building something sustainable, rooted in youth, speed, and development. And for fans, it’s the beginning of a new chapter—one that may look different, but still beats with the heart of Canadiens pride.
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