Flames Acquire Michael McNiven in Trade from Canadiens

The Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens made a trade on Wednesday. The Flames have acquired goaltender Michael McNiven from the Canadiens in exchange for future considerations. McNiven was assigned to the Stockton Heat, Calgary’s AHL affiliate team.

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The #Flames have acquired goaltender Michael McNiven from the Montreal Canadiens.

He has been assigned to the @AHLHeat. https://t.co/JZXLUBrWkI

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 2, 2022

McNiven, 24, is an undrafted goaltender out of the OHL. He was signed by the Habs as a free agent signed in 2015, and made his NHL debut this season. He’s traveled a bumpy road trying to get to the NHL and he’s spent time with the Rocket, Brampton Beast, Adirondack Thunder, Jacksonville Icemen, and Norfolk Admirals over the years. He did play in one game for the Canadiens this season but didn’t perform well. Over the course of 20 minutes, he allowed three goals on seven shots.

This is just one of what will be many moves made by the Canadiens this season. It’s likely the team wanted to give him an opportunity to play elsewhere knowing he wasn’t going to be a part of their long-term plans. Marc Antoine Godin of The Athletic tweets that McNiven had been unhappy in the Canadiens organization for some time.

Moving McNiven out will open up an extra contract spot for the Canadiens who are likely to take on some money as they move assets in NHL trade deadline day deals. Having space to add a player contract here or there will help facilitate trades with teams that have to shed contracts or money.

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