Canadiens trade another key man from Devils involving Jake Allen with a prized prospect comeback in the lineup as David Reinbacher returns from injury. How did he look in his return to action?

There’s an update on the well-known trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils. While this deal was discussed a few weeks ago, an injury to Devils’ starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom could shift the trade terms in favor of Canadiens GM Kent Hughes.

The trade includes a key condition that could still benefit Montreal.

“As a reminder, if Jake Allen plays 40 games this season, the Canadiens will receive a second-round pick in the upcoming draft,” insider Elliotte Friedman reported. “Otherwise, they will get a third-round pick.”

Initially, with Allen serving as Markstrom’s backup, the chances of him reaching 40 games were slim—until Markstrom’s recent injury changed the equation.

However, on Wednesday, the Devils provided an update:

“Jacob Markstrom is on the ice with the team this morning but only for the first part of practice. He will not participate in the full session, as this is part of his scheduled rehabilitation process.”

With Markstrom seemingly close to returning, this could impact the Canadiens’ draft compensation. Currently, Allen has played 21 games this season, making the situation one to watch closely.