What happened: The deal begins with the 2027-28 season and He was drafted 16th overall in 2019, won the Cup in 2022, then was traded from the same Avalanche that advanced to the second round in April to Montreal on June 27, 2023.
Why it matters: Stuck behind Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog in Colorado, he found a bigger offensive role in Montreal. His postseason emergence helped Montreal reach the Eastern Conference Final before falling to the eventual champion Hurricanes.
By the numbers: Finished with 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points in 42 games after a November ankle injury. Added 7 goals and 3 assists in 19 playoff games.
What to watch: Watch his deployment through preseason camp and the opening weeks of 2025-26.