Canadiens Acquire Goaltender Hunter Shepard and Forward Jake Chiasson in Exchange for Riley Kidney

BROSSARD – The Montreal Canadiens have traded forward Riley Kidney to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson, Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes announced on Friday, March 13, 2026 [1]. The transaction was completed prior to the American Hockey League trade deadline.

Transaction Details

The Canadiens acquire Hunter Shepard and Jake Chiasson from the Senators, while Ottawa receives forward Riley Kidney [2]. This move impacts depth charts for both organizations at the AHL and ECHL levels.

Player Profiles

Hunter Shepard

Shepard, a 30-year-old goaltender, has appeared in 15 AHL games with the Belleville Senators this season, posting a 6-7-2 record [3]. He also has NHL experience, with a 2-3-1 record in six career games played with the Washington Capitals and the Ottawa Senators [2].

Jake Chiasson

Chiasson, 22, has registered one assist in 20 AHL games this season with Belleville [3]. The 6-foot-2 forward has also played 16 games in the ECHL with the Allen Americans, producing eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) [3]. He was originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round (116th overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft [2].

Riley Kidney

Riley Kidney was drafted 63rd overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft [1]. He now joins the Senators organization for a fresh start [1].

Impact on Canadiens’ Prospect Pool

The acquisition of Hunter Shepard provides veteran goaltending insurance in the minors and allows elite prospect Jacob Fowler to remain in the NHL [1].