What happened: On Sept. 4, 1990, Montreal sent Claude Lemieux to the New Jersey Devils for Sylvain Turgeon. Lemieux had recorded 18 points in 39 games, while Turgeon arrived after a 47-point season.
Why it matters: Lemieux earned the 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy with 13 goals and 16 points in 20 playoff games. A fractured kneecap disrupted Turgeon’s first Canadiens season, and Ottawa selected him in the 1992 expansion draft.
By the numbers: After the deal, Lemieux played another 934 NHL games and scored 597 points. Turgeon produced 32 points in 75 games over two Montreal seasons.
What to watch: Montreal’s upcoming 2026-27 training camp will return the focus to its current roster.